Cato Reports November Same-Store Sales Down 5%

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported sales for the four weeks ended November 26, 2011 of $63.6 million, a 3% decrease from sales of $65.7 million for the four week period ended November 27, 2010. Same-store sales for the month decreased 5%.

Sales for the ten months ended November 26, 2011 were $762.7 million, an increase of 1% over sales of $754.7 million for the ten months ended November 27, 2010. The Company's year-to-date same-store sales decreased 1%.

"November same-store sales reflect the continuing difficult environment for middle and lower income customers as well as a difficult comparison to the prior year," stated John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

In November, the Company opened 10 stores and closed three It's Fashion stores to open It's Fashion Metro stores in the same market. New stores opened in Rogers, AR, Lakeland, FL, College Park, GA, Grenada, MS, Rockingham, NC, Mount Pleasant, SC, Murfreesboro, TN, Allen and San Antonio, TX and Emporia, VA. As of November 26, 2011, the Company operated 1,299 stores in 31 states, compared to 1,283 stores in 31 states as of November 28, 2009.

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced fashion apparel and accessories operating three concepts, "Cato," "Versona" and "It's Fashion." The Company's Cato stores offer exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day. Versona is a unique fashion destination offering accessories and apparel including jewelry, handbags, and shoes at exceptional prices every day. It's Fashion offers fashion with a focus on the latest trendy styles and nationally recognized urban brands for the entire family at low prices every day. Additional information on The Cato Corporation is available at www.catocorp.com.

Statements in this press release not historical in nature are considered "forward-looking" within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions; competitive factors and pricing pressures; the Company's ability to predict fashion trends; consumer apparel buying patterns; adverse weather conditions; inventory risks due to shifts in market demand and other such factors as are contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q . The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The Company is not responsible for any changes made to this press release bywire or internet services.

SOURCE The Cato Corporation