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

How stores in 4 key sectors fared in April

Here is how April revenue at stores open at least a year compared with revenue a year earlier for selected chains in four key sectors: department stores and discount, drug and clothing chains.

This comparison is considered a key indicator of a retailer’s health because it excludes stores that opened or closed during the year.

Overall, the stores reporting their revenue comparisons Thursday saw a 0.5 percent increase from April 2008, with the results weighted by companies’ total revenue.

Next to each chain’s name is the percentage increase or decrease.

— DEPARTMENT STORES

Bon-Ton Stores Inc. -5 pct

Dillard’s Inc. -5 pct

Fred’s Inc. 0.6 pct

J.C. Penney Co. -3.3 pct

Kohl’s Corp. -7.7 pct

Neiman Marcus Group Inc. 10.9 pct

Nordstrom Inc. 7.5 pct

Macy’s Inc. 1.1 pct

Saks Inc. 3.2 pct

Stage Stores Inc. -8.3 pct

— DISCOUNT STORES

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc. 4.6 pct

Costco Wholesale Corp. 11 pct

Target Corp. -5.9 pct

— DRUG STORES

Rite Aid Corp. -1 pct

Walgreen Co. -0.2 pct

— CLOTHING STORES

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. -7 pct

Aeropostale Inc. -5 pct

American Eagle Outfitters Inc. -6 pct

The Buckle Inc. -5.7 pct

Cato Corp. -7 pct

Gap Inc. -3 pct

Hot Topic Inc. -12.5 pct

Limited Brands Inc. 4 pct

Ross Stores Inc. 3 pct

Stein Mart Inc. -5.4 pct

TJX Cos. 4 pct

Urban Outfitters Inc. 11 pct

Wet Seal Inc. -6.1 pct

Zumiez Inc. 2.1 pct