Two Columbus-based retailers today reported sales during November, December and January.
Close-out retailer Big Lots says winter weather and the later timing of income tax returns dampened sales during the past three weeks, especially furniture sales, but the west-side company reports a nearly 4 percent increase in sales for the past three months.
Big Lots operates nearly 14-hundred stores in 48 states.
The balance sheet is also filled with black ink at Limited Brands. The company says it enjoyed a 24% gain in comparable store sales during January. Much of the gain was fueled by Limited's Victoria's Secret division.
Limited Brands says it expects to adjust 4th quarter earnings upward.