a. How do changes in those metrics factor into the growth in net sales? That is, what is the trend in those measures? Be specific and cite specific indicators.

b. What factors explain the increase in comparable sales?

Fiscal 2019 Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2017 3.5% 5.2% Selected financial and sales data: Comparable sales increase (1)(2) Comparable customer transactions increase (1) Comparable average ticket increase (173) Customer transactions in millions) (3) (4) Average ticket (3) (4) (5) Sales per retail square foot (4)(6) Diluted earnings per share 1.1% 2.5% 1,616.0 67.30 454.82 10.25 1.0% 4.2% 1,620.8 65.74 446.86 9.73 6.8% 2.2% 4.5% 1,578.6 63.06 417.02 7.29 $ $ $ $ $ $