Christopher & Banks saw a 3 percent increase in holiday sales, lower than last year's increase and the nation's overall spending increase over the season.

"We are pleased to have delivered positive comparable sales for the holiday period with strong conversion rates thus far in the quarter," said President and CEO Keri Jones in a statement. "We believe that our improved performance quarter-to-date was the result of new product resonating with customers, an enhanced in-store experience that made it easier to shop, compelling promotions and our omnichannel initiatives."

Jones, who took over as CEO in February, said the Plymouth-based chain is starting to see traction from its new strategy.

She has urged patience throughout the year as the company hired new leadership and adopted a new approach to product selection, store management and online sales.

Still, U.S. retail sales between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 rose 5.1 percent over 2017, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. The figures include online and in-store spending across all forms of payment.

Target last week reported a 5.7 percent sales increase. However, comparable sales increases at Macy's and Kohl's were lower than that of Christopher & Banks.

Last year, the chain reported a 5.7 percent increase in same-store sales for the holiday season. The company will report its full fourth-quarter earnings on March 13.

In December, the company's board rejected an unsolicited offer from a subsidiary of Chinese-American venture capital firm CSC Generation Holdings, which is trying to revive the Herberger's brand.

The board at the time "reaffirmed its commitment" to strategic initiatives underway under Jones and her management team.

Also in December, Christopher & Banks reported disappointing third-quarter results and announced it would close 30 to 40 stores with expiring leases over the next 2½ years.

The company's stock closed Monday up 15 percent at 60 cents a share.

Catherine Roberts 612-673-4292