Gottschalks Inc. reported an increase 2.1% for December comparable store sales over the same month from the prior year. Total sales for the month increased 1.2% to $133.1 million from $131.5 million in December 2005. The company operated three fewer stores during the month compared to the same period in fiscal 2005.
On a year-to-date basis, same store sales increased 0.6% from the comparable period of fiscal 2005. Total sales on a year-to-date basis decreased 0.1% to $640.4 million compared to $641.0 million in the same period of the prior year.
Jim Famalette, president and chief executive officer of Gottschalks, said, “We are pleased with our sales performance during the month of December. Sales trends improved as the holiday season progressed and the final ten days of the month were strong. Our best performing merchandise areas were shoes, better sportswear, accessories and juniors.”
Sales results are summarized as follows:
Same Store
December 30, December 31, Total % Sales %
2006 2005 Change Change
(in 000's)
Sales, 5 Weeks Ended $133,064 $131,486 1.2% 2.1%
Sales, 48 Weeks Ended $640,413 $641,036 (0.1%) 0.6%
