NEW YORK-Although retailers posted tepid comp-store sales, home emerged as a surprising standout at several chains, reflecting what Sam’s Club dubbed the “stay-at-home trend.”
Home was a star performer at Walmart. Comp-store sales at the nation’s biggest merchant rose 5.0 percent, and “home and hardlines were positive,” the retailer said.
By contrast, comp-store sales at Target fell 4.1 percent, with home posting high single-digit declines, according to a Target statement. However, the home business generated strength in housewares offset by weakness in home decor.
Kohl’s comp-store sales fell 1.6 percent, but home out-performed the company, the retailer said, in a statement. And at Kohl’s mid-market rival J.C. Penney, comp-store sales fell 8.8 percent, but home was among “the best performing divisions,” according to a press release. Macy’s comp-store sales fell 8.5 percent.
Sam’s Club led its warehouse club brethren with a 5.9 percent comp-store sales gain. “Housewares sales were strong, as members are choosing to cook and entertain at home,” the retailer said. By contrast, furniture and other big-ticket goods remained soft. Costco’s comp-store sales fell 3 percent, while B.J.’s declined 0.6 percent.