Up against a strong month in 2012

ATLANTA — Havertys posted sales of $67.5 million in February, down 1.1% from the same month a year ago, with same-store sales decreasing 2.5%.

“Sales were generally soft for February 2013 versus the very good 6.1% increase in comparable-store sales we had a year ago,” said Clarence Smith, president and CEO of the 118-store Atlanta-based chain.

For the first two months of the year, sales have amounted to $134.3 million, down 0.1% from the 2012 pace, with same-store sales off 1.4%.

“We are pleased that our gross profit margins have continued improving in the last few months,” Smith said. “Our attention is also on sales growth and we are intensifying our efforts to generate a better top-line performance.”