(RTTNews) - Fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom Inc. (JWN: News ) Thursday reported a 6.5% increase in same-store sales for the month of October. Preliminary total retail sales for the month increased 14.8% from the previous year.

The Seattle, Washington-based company's preliminary total retail sales for the month were $607 million, up from $529 million in the comparable period.

For the third quarter, Nordstrom's same-store sales declined 1.2% compared with the same period in fiscal 2008. Preliminary third quarter total retail sales were $1.87 billion, up 3.5% from $1.80 billion for the same quarter last year. On an average, 12 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to generate revenues of $1.80 billion.

For the month of September, Nordstrom had reported same store sale decline of 2.4% and a 1.1% decline in retail sales to $1.26 billion from $1.28 billion in the same month last year.

For the nine-month period, same-store-sales declined 8.4% from the previous year. Year-to-date, total retail sales were $5.72 billion, down 4.2% from $5.97 billion in the comparable period.

In October, Nordstrom opened three Nordstrom Rack stores at Hastings Village in Pasadena, California; Westfield Oakridge in San Jose, California; and Gateway Center in Austin, Texas. Additionally, in November, Nordstrom plans to open two Nordstrom Rack stores at Millennia Crossing in Orlando, Florida and Rookwood Pavilion in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For the month of October, the company operated 182 stores compared with 166 stores in the previous year.
Nordstrom provides designer and luxury apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories for women, men and children through various channels, including full-line Nordstrom stores, discount Nordstrom Rack stores, Jeffrey boutiques, and catalogs, as well as on the Internet at nordstrom.com.

Analysts have cautioned that while sales may yield some pleasant surprises, the outlook for the holiday season remains uncertain as consumer confidence has declined and the unemployment rate has edged up.

Among peers, Limited Brands, Inc. (LTD: News ) reported today a 4% decline in comparable store sales for the month of October, compared with a 9% decrease in October 2008.

Another competitor Gap Inc. (GPS: News ) Thursday reported a 4% increase in comparable store sales for the month of October compared with a 16% decrease in October 2008. Net sales for the month increased 5% from the comparable period.

Nordstrom expects to report its third quarter earnings on November 12, 2009.

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