Food Sales Drive BJ's June Sales Increase

Natick, Mass. -- Aided by solid food sales, BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. yesterday reported June 2007 net sales of $886.8 million, a 9.8 increase from the year-ago period's $807.3 million. Comparable -club sales rose 5.3 percent, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 1.4 percent and an adverse effect of 0.4 percent from the absence of pharmacy sales vs. last year. For June 2006, the retailer posted a comparable-club sales dip of 0.1 percent, including a contribution from gas sales of 2.1 percent.

The company additionally reported that sales increased in all five weeks of June 2007, with the largest increase in week five and the smallest in week three. Sales grew in all of its geographic regions, according to BJ's, with the biggest increases in the Mid-Atlantic and upstate New York regions, and the smallest growth in the Southeast.

Excluding gas sales, the average transaction amount for June 2007 rose about 3 percent, while traffic increased about 2 percent, thanks in part to stronger results over last year in the spring trial membership program, the company said.

Food performed particularly well at BJ's last month, experiencing a 6 percent sales increase, compared with general merchandise sales, which grew about 1 percent.

Among the departments with strong sales increases vs. last year are cheese, juices, meat, milk, produce, soda and water, snacks, and televisions. Weaker categories compared with June 2006 included air conditioners, cigarettes, computer equipment, residential furniture, tires, and toys.

BJ's operates 174 BJ's clubs in 16 states.
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