Comparable sales and operating income under pressure

The US trading chain, Sears, has increased retail sales in the second quarter by 0.9 per cent to US $ 7.8 bn (€ 7.0 bn). However, this amounts to a decrease of 3.5 per cent on a comparable basis. According to information from the group, business was positive in the hardware, tools and garden segments. Operating income has declined to US $ 183 mio (€ 163 mio), having been as high as US $ 300 mio over the comparable period in 2002.