BJ's April same-store sales up partly on gas sales

NATICK, Mass.—BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. said Thursday its April same-store sales climbed 17.8 percent on gasoline sales and one extra day in the period, due to a shift in the Easter holiday.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had expected a same-store sales increase of 10.8 percent.

Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, is a key indicator of retailer performance since it measures growth at existing stores rather than newly opened ones.

The discount warehouse club operator said gas sales made up 5.5 percent of its same-store sales gain, while the extra day contributed about 4 percent. Total monthly sales climbed 20.4 percent to $744.5 million.

BJ's said food sales rose about 16 percent in April, while general merchandise sales rose approximately 7 percent. Categories with the strongest sales included bakery, dairy, health and beauty, fresh meat, pet foods and produce.

First-quarter same-store sales grew 9.6 percent, while total sales climbed 12.3 percent to $2.26 billion. Gas sales comprised 3.9 percent of the same-store sales increase.

The company currently runs 177 BJ's Wholesale clubs in 16 states.

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