Same-Store Sales 'Soft '

NEW YORK CITY-September’s same-store sales increase of 2.4% was nothing to cheer about, considering that retailers posted a 5.9% jump over the same period last year, according to an International Council of Shopping Centers report that surveyed 71 chain stores. But the results did beat August’s 1.3% gain.

The report blamed hurricanes Frances, Ivan and Jeanne, and a slow back-to-school season for the “soft” results. The results are a continuation of the weak year-over-year monthly sales results retailers have reported since June, the report says.

Apparel was hit the hardest with a 1.1% drop overall. Both Limited and Ross Stores saw their sales fall 5%, and Gap Inc. posted a 3% decline. Ann Taylor had a 1.4% gain, but company officials said yesterday that the chain lost $3 million as a result of the hurricanes and they were reducing their third-quarter earnings guidance to 28 cents to 32 cents per share from 48 cents to 50 cents per share.