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Kmart Chief Sees Higher February Sales: Kmart Chairman Joseph Antonini said the retailer’s sales were stronger in February, rising 5% to 6% over last year’s levels on a comparable-store basis. “Sales have been very good,” Antonini said in an interview during a reception marking the company’s 30th birthday. “We’re pleased with the results in 1991 and sales for this year have started the same way.” Comparable-store sales figures include only those outlets open over a year, providing a better guide to the performance of each outlet. However, he said, sales in Michigan were hit by the recession in the automotive industry, while sales in California were affected by the downturn in the defense and real estate sectors. Antonini also said the company’s earnings for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31 were in line with analysts’ expectations.