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Modest Sales Gains as Retailers Lap Downturn

Retailers reporting October sales figures on Thursday showed mixed results, with some rebounding as they lapped the beginnings of the economic slowdown a year ago, according to Management Ventures Inc. here.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Retailers reporting October sales figures on Thursday showed mixed results, with some rebounding as they lapped the beginnings of the economic slowdown a year ago, according to Management Ventures Inc. here.

Value-focused retailers showed modest gains vs. their results in the same period last year, MVI said.

Among food retailers who reported Thursday, Costco Wholesale, Issaquah, Wash., showed monthly sales increases of 4% excluding gasoline and the effect of foreign currencies, and comps of 3% in the U.S. excluding those factors. BJs Wholesale Club, Natick, Mass., said its comps, excluding gas, fell by 1.1% for the October period, with sales strongest in food, pet food and housewares, and sales slower in video, toys, trash bags and video games. Cheapapeake, Va.-based discounter Dollar Tree said its comps increased 6.5% in October, led by sales of health and beauty items, consumables and party supplies.

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