99 Only Stores sales measurement grew for 2Q

COMMERCE, Calif. — Discount retailer 99 Only Stores said Thursday that its sales at stores open at least a year grew 2.3 percent in its second quarter.

These sales are considered a key indicator of a retailers’ health because they excludes sales at newly opened stores.

The company saw its total sales grow 2.2 percent to $324.7 million for the quarter ended Sept. 26.

The discounter said the average transaction shrank 1.2 percent to $9.45.

Eric Schiffer, CEO of 99 Only Stores, said many middle to upper income consumers are coming into the stores for the first time for their household needs due to the recession.

The company reports its full second-quarter results in November.