Stage Stores same-store sales rise in June

Same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year, is a key indicator of retailer performance since it measures growth at existing stores rather than newly opened ones.

The company said its total sales for the five-week period ended July 5 climbed 6.4 percent to $142 million from $133.4 million.

Stage Stores said sales grew in its children's, cosmetics, dresses, footwear, intimate apparel, men's, misses' sportswear and petites categories.

The company also said sales rose in every region except the Southwest.

Stage Stores said it expects to meet or exceed its guidance of 23 cents per share for the second quarter.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect profit of 18 cents per share.

The company also said its same-store sales would also likely either meet or rise above the high end of its second-quarter guidance for a 3 percent decline.