The Forzani Group Ltd. reported total sales for the ten weeks ended Jan. 11 were flat to the prior year. On a same store basis, total retail system sales were down 1.8%, although sales were stronger in the week before and the week after Christmas. Corporate same store sales decreased 4.3% while franchise retail same store sales were up 3.0%. This same store sales performance was on top of increases of 7.4% and 18.5% respectively, in the prior year.

Corporate store margin rates improved 55 basis points versus the prior year as a result of more current inventory and less aggressive discounting. Corporate store inventory levels were as planned, and below last year, on a same store basis.

“These sales results are less than we had planned,” said Bob Sartor, Chief Executive Officer, “but in light of the challenging North American retail environment, our holiday season sales were satisfactory.”

Forzani is Canada's largest national retailer of sporting goods. Corporate and franchise banners include: Sport Chek, Coast Mountain Sports, Sport Mart, National Sports, Athletes World, Sports Experts, Intersport, Econosports, Atmosphere, Tech Shop, Pegasus, Nevada Bob's Golf, Hockey Experts, S3 and The Fitness Source.