American Eagle Outfitters announced that total sales for the five-week period ended April 3, 2004 increased 17.6% to $140.3 million, compared to $119.3 million for the five-week period ended April 5, 2003. Comparable store sales for the American Eagle Outfitters stores increased 7.6% for the March period. Consolidated comparable store sales, which include American Eagle and Bluenotes/Thriftys stores, increased 7.5% for the month compared to the corresponding period ended April 5, 2003.
Total sales for the five-week period ended April 3, 2004 include $7.1 million from the Bluenotes/Thriftys operation, compared to $6.0 million for the corresponding period last year. The 17.3% sales increase was due primarily to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to a year ago and a comparable store sales increase of 6.2% in March. The comparable store sales calculation excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
Total sales for the nine-week period ended April 3, 2004 increased 21.3% to $234.9 million, compared to $193.6 million for the nine-week period ended April 5, 2003. Comparable store sales for the American Eagle Outfitters stores increased 10.5% for the nine-week period. Consolidated comparable store sales, which include American Eagle and Bluenotes/Thriftys stores, increased 10.4% for the period compared to the corresponding period ended April 5, 2003.
Total sales for the nine-week period include $12.1 million from the Bluenotes/Thriftys operation, compared to $10.0 million for the corresponding period last year. The 21.3% sales increase was due primarily to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar compared to a year ago and a comparable store sales increase of 8.7% for the period. The comparable store sales calculation excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
The Company continues to expect first quarter earnings to be in the range of $0.25 to $0.30 per share, which compares to $0.09 per share in the first quarter last year.
