But comparables fall
Sales at Gap rose 2 per cent to US$1.19 billion (£600.9 million) in the four weeks to June 2, compared with US$1.16 billion (£585.7 million) the previous year. However, comparable store sales for May slid 3 per cent, compared with a 6 per cent decline last year.

Gap North America's comparable store sales were down 7 per cent, compared with a 5 per cent decline last year. Banana Republic North America's comparable store sales were up 3 per cent, compared with a 3 per cent increase the previous year, while Old Navy North America's were down 3 per cent against a decline of 8 per cent the previous year. International store sales were flat compared with a decline of 13 per cent last year.

Gap senior vice-president of corporate finance Sabrina Simmons said: 'In May, our overall summer merchandise sales remained mixed across the brands and total company merchandise margins were above last year.'

Sales for the 17 weeks to June 2 rose 3 per cent to US$4.75 billion (£2.4 billion), compared with US$4.61 billion (£2.33 billion) last year. Comparable store sales fell 4 per cent, compared with an 8 per cent decline last year.

Gap operates from 3,145 stores.

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