Cato February sales up 3 percent

REPORT_ The Cato Corporation has reported that its sales for the four weeks ended March 1, 2014 were

87 million dollars, a 3 percent increase over sales of 84.7 million dollars for the four week period ended March 2, 2013. Same-store sales for the month increased 1 percent from the prior year.

“February sales were negatively impacted by winter storms in the first two weeks of the month. However, that impact was offset by strong selling in the last two weeks of the month driven by warmer weather and tax refund spending,” stated John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

As of March 1, 2014, the Charlotte-based company operated 1,320 stores in 32 states, compared to 1,306 stores in 31 states as of March 2, 2013. The Cato Corporation is a retailer of value-priced fashion apparel and accessories operating three concepts, Cato, Versona and It's Fashion.