Retailers Post Strong March Sales (RTH, TGT, JPC, more...)

Retailers reported very strong March sales numbers today. Many retailers reported double-digit increases in same store sales and a host of retailers raised earnings guidance due to the strong results.

According to Thomson Reuters, retail sales rose a record high of 9.1% in the month, exceeding the consensus of a 6.3% rise.

Despite the stellar results, the retail sector is flat today as represented by the ETF Retail HOLDRs (NYSE: RTH)

Here is a summary of today's sales results:

• Target (NYSE: TGT) Comparable store sales increased 10.3%, ahead of consensus of 7.8%. The retailer said Q1 EPS will exceed the current analyst consensus of 74 cents by 10 cents or more.
  
  
• JCPenney (Nasdaq: JCP) Comparable store sales increased 5.4%, below of consensus of 5.7%. The retailer also boosted its Q1 EPS guidance from 16-20 cents to 20-24 cents, which compares to the Street estimate of 21c.
  
  
• Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE: KSS) Comparable store sales increased 22.5%, ahead of consensus of 12.4%. The retailer also boosted its Q1 EPS guidance from 48-52 cents to 55-57 cents.
  
  
• Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO) Comparable store sales increased 19%, ahead of consensus of 11.2%. The retailer also boosted its Q1 EPS guidance from 39-40 cents to 44 cents.
  
  
• The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TJX) Comparable store sales increased 12%, ahead of consensus of 6.5%. The retailer also boosted its Q1 EPS guidance from 60-65 cents to 76-79, which compares to the Street estimate of 65 cents.
  
  
• Gymboree Corporation (Nasdaq: GYMB) raises its Q1 EPS guidance from 90-94 cents to 93-96 cents, which compares to the Street estimate of 95 cents. The retailer still sees Q1 same store sales up mid-single digits.
  
  
• Gap (NYSE: GPS) Comparable store sales increased 11%, ahead of consensus of 3.7%
  
  
• Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) Comparable store sales increased 15%, ahead of consensus of 6.8%.
  
  
• Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) Comparable store sales increased 16.8%, ahead of consensus of 10.6%
  
  
• Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST) Comparable store sales increased 14%
  
  
• Saks Incorporated (NYSE: SKS) Comparable store sales increased 12.7%
  
  
• BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) Comparable store sales increased 10.6%
  
  
• Zumiez (NASDAQ: ZUMZ) Comparable store sales increased 13.2%, ahead of consensus of 10.6%
  
  
• American Eagle (NYSE: AEO) Comparable store sales increased 15%, ahead of consensus of 10.8%
  
  
• Dillard’s, Inc. (NYSE: DDS) Comparable store sales increased 9%
  
  
• Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) Comparable store sales increased 5%, below the consensus of 6.6%
  
  
• Fred's (NASDAQ: FRED) Comparable store sales increased 3.6%
  
  
• Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) Comparable store sales increased 10%, ahead of consensus of 9.3%
  
  
• Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M) Comparable store sales increased 10.%, ahead of consensus of 7.9%
  
  
• Stein Mart (Nasdaq: SMRT) Comparable store sales increased 1%
  
  
• Bon-Ton Stores (Nasdaq: BONT) Comparable store sales increased 11.4%
  
  
• Wet Seal (Nasdaq: WTSLA) Comparable store sales increased 6.3%
  
  
• Stage Stores (NYSE: SSI) Comparable store sales increased 8.6%
  
  
• Cato Corp. (Nasdaq: CATO) Comparable store sales increased 24%
  
  
• The Buckle (NYSE: BKE) Comparable store sales increased 7.2%, ahead of consensus of 6.9%.
  
  
• bebe stores (Nasdaq: BEBE) Comparable store sales decreased 11.2%
  
  
• Hot Topic (Nasdaq: HOTT) Comparable store sales decreased 7.5%

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