(CHARLOTTE) -- The Cato Corporation reported sales for the four weeks ended February 25, 2012 of $83.9 million. This compared to sales of $86.2 million for the similar period in 2011.  Same-store sales for the Charlotte-based discount women's apparel retailer decreased 5 percent when compared to February of 2011.

"February sales were slightly weaker than our recent trend reflecting the continuing difficult economic environment and, to a lesser extent, the impact of tax refund delays," said John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

During February, Cato opened a store in Montgomery, AL, relocated a store in Frankfort, KY and closed two stores.  As of February 25, 2012, the Company operated 1,287 stores in 31 states.