Catalog/Retail Firms Report Strong February Sales

February was a strong month for several companies with both catalog and retail arms—at least compared with the same period in 2003.

JCPenney, for example, reported an 11.7% increase to $1.1 billion. The firm’s department store sales rose by 11.7% to $1 billion, and combined catalog-Internet sales totaled $188 million, an 8% improvement. However, the fastest-growing category was Internet sales, which went up by 40%.

At The Talbots, there was a 10% increase to $84.3 million. CEO Arnold Zetcher said in a statement that comparable store sales had risen in the firm’s core women’s apparel businesses. “However, our Kids area, which accounts for less than 5% of our annual sales volume, did experience a weaker-than-expected performance, impacting our total company comparable store sales,” he added.

Meanwhile, JoS. A. Bank Clothiers reported revenue of $24 million, a 55.8% gain. Combined catalog and Internet sales rose by 34.7% and comparable store sales by 34.2%.

And the Sharper Image posted a 47% increase to $51.9 million. Catalog sales jumped by 45% to $14.5 million, and Internet sales by 63% to $8 million. Comparable store sales went up by 45% increase to $29.3 million.

Full financial statements for the quarter will be out later this month.