More positive sales updates in April: Gap, Buckle

April has left good news for the majority of apparel retailers

that have seen strengthened sales and comp sales significantly bettered. Last in releasing quarterly and monthly figures this week were Buckle, Gap and Brunello Cucinelli.

Buckle comparable store net sales for the four-week period ended May 4, 2013, increased 6.2 percent from comparable store net sales for the four-week period ended May 5, 2012. Net sales for the four-week fiscal month ended May 4, 2013, increased 3.1 percent as compared to the prior year four-week fiscal month ended April 28, 2012.

Also Gap reported strong sales for the period, with net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 increased 7 percent compared with the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 and that April 2013 net sales increased 5 percent compared with last year. “We are pleased with our sales performance this month, led by our largest brands, Gap and Old Navy,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc.

Net sales for the quarter ended May 4, 2013, were 3.73 billion dollars compared with 3.49 billion registered the previous year. Gap also provided first quarter EPS guidance of 0.68 to 0.69 dollars, against the consensus estimate of 0.56 dollars. Gap traded in a range throughout Thursday's session and closed up by 0.05 at 38.81 dollars.

Finally, another positive update on trading and sales for Italian luxury sweater maker Brunello Cucinelli’s, whose eponymous Group’s Chairman and CEO, said: “This first quarter highlights a good start to 2013. The major investments we are making and the targets achieved lead us to envisage a full year characterised by a “gracious” double-digit growth. We are firmly convinced that people working with us are competent, serious and above all respectable. Exports are growing nicely and this testifies to a great interest in a special, luxury made in Italy. In 2013 we envisage growth for Italy, despite a moderate one.”