BJ’s Wholesale reports results for November

NATICK, Mass. BJ’s Wholesale Club reported Friday an increase in sales for November with at $783.2 million, up 5.2 percent from $744.4 million reported from November 2007. Same-store sales at BJ’s Club stores were up about 4 percent for November, including a drop in sales of gasoline of about 2 percent.

BJ’s said that its same-store merchandise club sales were up by 6.2 percent, versus guidance of 2 percent to 3 percent. The wholesale club chain said the rise was due to increases in sales of consumables and food, particularly in the fourth week, reflecting a calendar shift that included Thanksgiving.

In addition BJ’s said sales for November were up in the metropolitan New York market, but saw the lowest increase in the Southeast.

For same-store club sales, food sales reportedly were up by about 14 percent and general merchandise sales were down by about 4 percent, according to the company.

BJ’s said that its departments with the strongest sales for November included bakery, computer products, dairy, deli, frozen foods, health and beauty, meat, pet foods, prepared foods, and snacks, as well as others. The company said that areas with weaker sales included apparel, cigarettes, electronic items, TVs, toys and other areas.