The Most Comprehensive Same-Store Sales Recap Of April 7, 2011 Ever

March same-store sales have been released for the retail sector and overall the results are positive, with the majority of reports exceeding the Street consensus. Factors stated by retailers as affecting March's numbers include this year's Easter timing three weeks later in 2011 than in 2010, the crisis in Japan, inflation in gasoline prices, and cooler weather. Many companies are hopeful that next month's sales will exceed expectations as consumers prepare for Easter and temperatures rise. Ross Stores ROST reported March same-store sales of -1.0% versus the -1.6% Street consensus. Nordstrom Stores JWN reported March comparable store sales of +5.1% . JC Penny JCP reported March Sales of -.3% versus the -3.9% Street consensus. Saks SKS reported March same-store sales of +11.1% versus the +2.3% Street consensus. Kohl's KSS reported same-store sales of -6.5% versus the -9.1% Street consensus. Ross Stores ROST reported March same-store sales of -1.0% versus the -1.6% Street consensus. Duckwall-ALCO Stores DUCK reported comparable store sales, excluding fuel sales, of +0.4% year-over-year. Tandy Leather Factory TLF reported comparable store sales of +9% year-over-year. PriceSmart PSMT reported March net warehouse club sales increased +16.6% year-over-year to $139.2 million. Stein Mart SMRT reported March same-store sales of -3.9% versus the -2.0% Street consensus. Dillard's DDS reported March same-store sales of -1.0% versus the -3.8% Street consensus. BJ's Wholesale BJ reported March same-stores sales of +5.3% versus the Street consensus of +2.5%. Gap GPS reported March same-store sales of -10% versus the -7.3% Street consensus. Target TGT reported March same-store sales of -10% versus the -7.3% Street consensus. Macy M reported March same-store sales of +0.9% versus the -3.6% Street consensus. Bon-Ton Stores BONT reported March same-store sale of -6.1% versus the -8.5% Street consensus. Haverty Furniture HVT reported March same-store sales of +0.6%. Zumiez NAS reported March same-store sales of +8.9% versus the +3.2% Street consensus. bebe BEBE reported fiscal quarted ended April 2,2011 same-store sales of -.7% compared to a decrease of -11.2% in the prior year. Wet Seal WTSLA reported March same-store sales of +4.7% versus the -1.0% Street consensus. Buckle BKE reported March same-store sales of +8.4% versus the -1.2% Street consensus. Limited LTD reported March same-store sales of +14% versus the +1.1% Street consensus. Cato CATO reported March same-store sales of -9.0% versus the -10.3% Street consensus. Destination Maternity DEST reported March same-store sales of -3.0%. Pier 1 Imports PIR reported Q4 comparable store sales of +8.9%. Stage Stores SSI reported same-store sales of -5.3% versus the -4.5% Street consensus. Costco COST reported same-store sales of +13% versus the +7.4% Street consensus. Excluding the effects of gasoline price inflation and strengthening foreign currencies, comparable sales for US were +7%; International +11%. Fred FRED reported March comparable store sales of +0.7% versus the +1.6% Street consensus. Hot Topic HOTT reported March same-store sales of -5.0% versus the -5.6% Street consensus. Overall, today's reports reveal that most retailers beat estimates. In general, March sales were stronger than most analysts had predicted.