U.S. retailers reported sluggish comparable store sales in April, as an early Easter in March, cooler weather and higher gas prices dampened consumer activity.
Menomonee Falls-based Kohl’s Corp. reported its comparable store sales decreased 3.5 percent from the four-week month ended April 30.
Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “As expected, warm March weather and an early Easter, contributed to a decline in April’s sales. Home, Accessories and Men’s all reported positive comparable store sales. From a regional perspective, the Midwest, Northeast, South Central and West outperformed the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.”
Other retailers reporting comparable store sales included: Bon-Ton Stores Inc., down 5.0 percent; Macy’s Inc., up 1.2 percent; Target Corp., up 1.1 percent; Costco, up 4 percent; and Gap Inc., down 2.0 percent.