Retailers Ring Up Robust Sales

Dillard's(DDS Quote) said comps increased 6%, beating Wall Street's forecast of 0.2% decline. Total sales increased 8% to $679.6 million.

Federated Department Stores(FD Quote) was among the few disappointments. The Macy's owner's same-store sales rose 2.3%, short of its own guidance for an increase of 2.5% to 4%, and below Wall Street's estimate of 3.3%. Total sales increased 1.5% to of $2.29 billion.

"March sales fell just short of our expectations in most regions across the country, largely attributable to weakness in home-related merchandise categories," Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement. "Unseasonably cold weather as new spring merchandise flowed into the stores in the pre-Easter period also contributed to disappointing sales in the month."

Federated continues to expect same-store sales in April to increase by 2.5% to 4%, but the company said sales in the first quarter are expected to be at the low end of previous guidance of $6 billion to $6.1 billion.

Struggling specialty retailerSharper Image(SHRP Quote) reported a 29% drop in comps -- the worst same-store sales figure of all the major chains reporting. Total sales tumbled 45% to $22.1 million.

In the teen space, clothing chain Abercrombie & Fitch(ANF Quote) posted a 7% jump in same-store sales for the month, surging past Wall Street's target of 2.4% growth. Aeropostale's (ARO Quote) same-store sales rose 15.9%, compared with analysts' forecast for an 8% rise.

Pacific Sunwear (PSUN Quote) had a bright month, with same-store sales surging 14.1%. Wall Street expected a 3.4% rise.

The reports follow strong showings from fellow teen retailers American Eagle Outfitters(AEO Quote) and Hot Topic(HOTT Quote) late Wednesday.