Stein Mart’s May sales rise

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Linens and ladies’ casual and career sportswear buoyed Stein Mart’s total sales for May. The company reported total sales of $107.3 million for the month, an increase of 3.6% from $103.6 million for May last year.

Comparable store sales increased 8.2%.

While linens, ladies' casual sportswear, ladies' boutique and ladies' career sportswear posted the strongest sales for the month, ladies' special sizes, ladies' accessories, men's sportswear and dresses were more challenged. Geographically, sales increased in every state with its Southeast states performing better than the chain and its Northeast states performing slightly lower.

"We are thrilled to announce our May comparable store sales increase of 8.2%, which was on top of a strong 8% increase in April," said interim CEO Jay Stein. "These results were driven by our ability to deliver great fashion, brands and pricing, through a well-executed merchandising and marketing strategy."

The company operates 262 stores as of the end of May this year, compared to 263 stores last year.