Cato Corporation officials today reported sales of $103.9 million for the five weeks ended March 31, which is a 7 percent increase over sales of $97.4 million for the five-week period ended April 2, 2011, according to a PR Newswire release. 

The new Cato store in Eureka opened during the second full week of last month. See related article:  Women's Apparel Store 'Cato' Opens in Eureka

Today's article about Cato was published in Wall Street Journal's Market Watch. It stated same-store Cato sales for the month of March increased 5 percent.

During March, the company opened five stores. Other than Eureka, the new store locations were Branson, MO, Marietta, GA, Eden, NC and Mentor, OH. As of March 31, 2012, the company operated 1,292 stores in 31 states, compared to 1,282 stores in 31 states as of April 2, 2011, according to the article.

March sales to Cato shoppers reportedly were favorably impacted by the shift of Easter to early April this year versus late April last year.

Editor's Note: We created a Patch directory listing for the new Cato store in Eureka—be the first to rate and review the store at clicking here.