CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Cato Corporation (NYSE: CATO) today reported sales for the four weeks ended November 28, 2009 of $61.6 million, an increase of 2% over sales of $60.6 million for the four week period ended November 29, 2008. Same-store sales for the month were flat to the prior year.

Sales for the ten months ended November 28, 2009 were $716.0 million, an increase of 3% over sales of $697.2 million for the ten months ended November 29, 2008. The Company's year-to-date same-store sales increased 1%.

"November same-store sales were in line with our estimated range for the fourth quarter of down 3% to flat," stated John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. "Inventory remains well controlled as we begin the holiday shopping season."

In November, the Company opened three stores and closed one store. New stores opened in Sandersville, GA, Shreveport, LA and Lufkin, TX. As of November 28, 2009, the Company operated 1,293 stores in 31 states, compared to 1,308 stores in 31 states as of November 29, 2008.

The Cato Corporation is a leading specialty retailer of value-priced women's fashion apparel and accessories operating two divisions, "Cato" and "It's Fashion". The Company's Cato division offers exclusive merchandise with fashion and quality comparable to mall specialty stores at low prices every day. The It's Fashion division 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 including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's expected same-store sales results for the fourth quarter, 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 by wire or internet services.

SOURCE The Cato Corporation

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