January Sales Roundup

The start of 2010 was fairly inspiring for the companies tracked by MULTICHANNEL MERCHANT. Perhaps it's a sign of better things ahead.

Total January sales for apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch jumped 16%, to $222.8 million, compared to $191.5 million in January 2009. What's more, direct-to-consumer sales increased 8%, to $28.0 million. January same-store sales rose 8%.

Neiman Marcus Direct's sales for January increased 16%. The division consists of the print catalog and online operations for Neiman Marcus and Horchow, as well as the Bergdorf Goodman Website. The top selling merchandise categories in the direct marketing segment included women's apparel, jewelry, handbags, shoes and men's products.

Meanwhile, January sales at women's apparel marketer Victoria's Secret Direct increased 3%. Top selling merchandise categories includes sweaters, dresses, bras and swimwear.

On the downside, total January company sales for general merchant J.C. Penney Co. fell 4.4%, to $940 million.