Hibbett Sporting Goods, Inc. reported that net sales for the nine-week period ended January 3, 2004, increased 19.0% to $69.0 million compared with $58.0 million for the comparable nine-week period ended January 4, 2003. Comparable store sales increased 6.7% for the nine-week period ended January 3, 2004.

The Company expects to report sales for the fourth quarter on February 5, 2004, and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending January 31, 2004, on March 10, 2004.

Commenting on the announcement, Mickey Newsome, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The strong sales results we cited at the end of the third quarter, particularly in apparel and footwear, continued throughout the holiday season. Together, with positive results in team equipment, these record holiday sales are yet another indicator that our merchandising teams have their fingers firmly planted on the pulse of sporting goods demand in our markets.”