Goody's Family Clothing reported total sales for the fiscal month of September 2003 of $98.9 million, an increase of 8.2% from total sales of $91.4 million for the fiscal month of September 2002. Comparable store sales for September 2003 increased 7.6% when compared with September 2002. Total sales for the eight months ended October 4, 2003, increased 2.4% to $763.1 million from $745.5 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the first eight months of fiscal 2003 increased 2.2% over the same period last year.
“We are pleased with the September comparable store sales increase, which marks seven consecutive months of positive comparable store sales increases,” said Robert M. Goodfriend, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Cooler weather in most of our markets during the latter part of the month helped improve our business which seemed to validate most of our fall merchandise offerings. Total inventory levels at the end of the month, on a per square foot basis, were similar to those maintained at the same time last year.”
Last week, the Company celebrated the grand openings of two new stores — one in Americus, Georgia, and one in Boaz, Alabama, — and a remodeled store in Henderson, Kentucky. During October, the Company expects to hold grand openings for two remodeled stores — one each in Blue Ridge and Rome, Georgia. During November, the Company plans to hold grand openings for three new stores — one each in Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Seneca, South Carolina; and Jacksonville, Illinois; — and one relocated store in Columbia, Tennessee, which will conclude the Company's expansion plans for fiscal 2003.
