Stein Mart reports positive March sales despite bad weather

Stein Mart said that its March sales were unfavorably impacted by the shift of pre-Easter selling from March to April this year, as well as cooler-than-normal temperatures in many parts of the country early in the month.



Stein Mart’s total sales for the five-week period ended April 5 were $136.3 million, compared to total sales of $135.4 million for the prior-year period. Comparable store sales increased 0.9%.



Geographically, Florida and the Southeast had solid comparable store sales increases, while Texas, the Gulf States and the Northeast were more challenged.



The company operated 263 stores at the end of March this year compared to 262 stores last year. One store was opened this month in Las Vegas, Nev., and two stores located in Hendersonville, N.C., and Overland Park, Kan., were relocated to improved sites.



Stein Mart's focused assortment of merchandise features current season, moderate to better fashion apparel for women and men, as well as accessories, shoes and home fashions.