The Forzani Group Ltd. Holiday Season total retail system sales were up 21.1% over the prior year. Exclusive of the impact of the current year addition of Nevada Bob's and National Sports, retail system sales were up 12.4%. On a comparable store basis, retail system sales were up 9.6%. Comparable corporate stores sales increased 11.1%, with all banners up sharply, while franchise comparable store sales increased 7.1%. The corporate store increases were a combination of an increase of 12.0% in Sport Chek/Coast Mountain Sports locations and a 7.8% increase in Sport Mart stores.
Corporate store margins continued the trend experienced in the third quarter, reflecting the positive results of the various initiatives undertaken in the corporate stores. The sales and margin results were attained while keeping inventories well in line, and stores exited the holiday sales season leaner and fresher in virtually all inventory categories.
