Saks sales soar, Dillard's drops in September

NEW YORK and LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Saks today reported total sales of $307.4 million for September, an increase of 9.5% over sales of $280.8 million last year. By comparison, Dillard’s today reported sales of $649.2 million, a decrease of 5% from sales of $686.7 million last year.

Saks’ comparable-store sales for the month rose by 7.7%, while Dillard’s fell by 7%.

Saks reported its September results were driven by strong category performers at Saks Fifth Avenue, which included women’s shoes, women’s designer sportswear and evening dresses. Weak performing categories included women’s classic bridge sportswear and outerwear.

Dillard’s attributed its September results to the juniors’ and children’s apparel categories, which performed below trend.

Saks reported that it continues to expect comparable-store sales growth in the high-single digits for the fall season.