BJ’s reports growth in merchandise sales

NATICK, Mass. BJ’s Wholesale Club reported that annual comparable-club sales, excluding gasoline sales, for May have increased by 4% since this time last year.

Increased sales reflect consumer transition to wholesale clubs as a means of obtaining food and other necessities at a lower cost. 

“Our merchandise comparable club sales increase of 4% was a good result in this economy, although it was slightly below our guidance,” said president and CEO Laura Sen. “Traffic continued strong, increasing by 5% over last year. Overall, May sales results reflected continued strength in food and consumables, televisions and computer equipment, partly offset by ongoing softness in discretionary departments such as apparel, jewelry and sporting goods, and a slightly increased impact from price deflation in certain areas of perishable foods.”