Federated Looks To A Brighter December

Federated Department Stores Inc. (Cincinnati) reported that sales for the four weeks ended November 25 increased 1.4 percent to $1.720 billion from $1.696 billion a year earlier. Same-store sales rose 1.4 percent.

Despite the increases, the company, which operates department store chains such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's, said it was disappointed with the results but expects a stronger holiday season. It forecasts a 3 percent increase in December comparable-store sales.