How chains in 4 key retail sectors fared in February compared with a year earlier

How stores in 4 key sectors fared in February

Here is how sales at stores open at least a year changed in February for selected chains in four key sectors: department stores and discount, drug and clothing chains.

Next to each chain’s name is its percentage increase or decrease over the same month last year. This comparison is considered a key indicator of a retailer’s health because it excludes sales at stores that open or close during the year.

— Drug stores

Rite Aid Corp. -3.2 pct

Walgreen Co. 0.4 pct

— Low-price stores

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc., 7.5 pct

Costco Wholesale Corp., 9 pct

Target Corp., 2.4 pct

— Clothing stores

Abercrombie & Fitch Co., 5 pct

Aeropostale Inc., 7 pct

American Eagle Outfitters Inc., 6 pct

The Buckle Inc., 5.1 pct

Cato Corp., 3 pct

Gap Inc., 3 pct

Hot Topic Inc., -7 pct

Limited Brands Inc., 10 pct

Ross Stores Inc., 11 pct

Stein Mart Inc., -9.3 pct

Tandy Leather Factory Inc., 15 pct

TJX Cos., 10 pct

Wet Seal Inc., 4.7 pct

Zumiez Inc., 11.2 pct

— Department Stores

Bon-Ton Stores Inc. 0.5 pct

Dillard’s Inc. 2 pct

Fred’s Inc. 2 pct

J.C. Penney Co. 1.2 pct

Kohl’s Corp. 3.7 pct

Neiman Marcus Group Inc. 5.1 pct

Nordstrom Inc. 10.3 pct

Macy’s Inc. 3.7 pct

Saks Inc. 2 pct

Stage Stores Inc. -3.9 pct