Gottschalks Inc. reported a same store sales increase for the month of March 2007 of 6.4% compared to the prior year. Total sales for the month increased 5.3% to $58.9 million from $56.0 million in March 2006. On a year-to-date basis, same store sales increased 1.9% from the same period of the prior year. Total sales for the year-to-date period increased 1.3% to $101.5 million compared to $100.3 million for the same period of fiscal 2006. The company operated three fewer stores than in the comparable periods last year.
Jim Famalette, president and chief executive officer of Gottschalks, said, “We are pleased with our strong sales performance in March. Our 6.4% comparable store sales growth reflects the benefit of the Easter holiday shift and positive consumer reaction to our spring fashion trends. Our best performing merchandise areas during the month were shoes, dresses, special sizes and childrens. We ended the month with comparable inventory levels up 3.5%.”
Sales results are summarized as follows:
Same Store
April 7, April 1, Total % Sales %
2007 2006 Change Change
(in 000's)
Sales, 5 Weeks Ended $58,902 $55,965 5.3% 6.4%
Sales, 9 Weeks Ended $101,522 $100,254 1.3% 1.9%
