Better weather and more customers drawn to the stores by summer styles helped American Eagle Outfitters produce a 2 percent increase in sales at established stores in April.

The South Side retailer said it continued to take markdowns but is sticking with first quarter earnings guidance of 18 to 20 cents per share, as compared to 35 cents during the same period last year.

Total sales for the four weeks ended May 3 rose 15 percent to $197.7 million, compared to $171.9 million last year. The men's clothing business has continued to be strong. Areas that are not doing as well include the women's side and accessories merchandise.

Sales related to the online store rose 44 percent through a combination of more visitors and more of them actually buying, said Judy Meehan, vice president of investor relations, in a recorded sales report.