Cold Weather Boosted Limited Brands’ Annual Sales 6%

Limited Brands Inc. posted a 23% increase in comparable store sales for the four weeks ended Jan. 31, 2004, compared to the four weeks ended Feb. 1, 2003. Net sales hit $677.7 million, up from $563.9 million for the same period last year.

The company reported comparable store sales increased 4% for the year ended Jan. 31, 2004. Net sales were $8.934 billion, up 6% from $8.445 billion last year.

Experts said the cold weather in much of the U.S. contributed to the sales influx. These results included sales at Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Express, Express Men’s, Limited Stores, White Barn Candle Co. and Henri Bendel. The company will report its fourth quarter earnings results on Feb. 26.