Gap says sales at established stores fell 6 per cent in May. That was better than the 7 per cent decline forecast by Thomson Reuters.
Sales in stores open at least a year is a key metric of a retailer's health.
By division, same-store sales fell 3 per cent at Gap stores, 11 per cent at Banana Republic and 7 per cent at Old Navy.
The San Francisco-based retailer said Thursday the entire month was challenging, but performance improved toward the Memorial Day weekend.
For the four weeks ended May 30, Gap said total sales fell 5 per cent to $1.18 billion.
CEO Art Peck has been trying to overhaul the business, which has struggled to get shoppers to buy without big discounts.
In after-hours trading, Gap Inc. shares rose 5 per cent to $19.25.
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.