Gottschalks Inc. announced that same store sales for the month of July 2005 increased 5.8% from the prior year. Total sales for the month increased 5.1% to $43.5 million compared to total sales of $41.4 million in July 2004.
For the thirteen weeks ended July 30, 2005, same store sales increased 3.1% from the same period of fiscal 2004, and total sales increased 2.6% to $151.6 million compared to $147.8 million for the same period of fiscal 2004. For the year-to-date period, same store sales increased 1.3%, while total sales were $295.7 million, up 1.2% from $292.3 million for the same period last year.
Jim Famalette, president and chief executive officer of Gottschalks, said, “We are very encouraged by our sales results for the month of July and the quarter. Our solid sales increase in July reflects the success of a shift in timing for several of our marketing programs as well as the continued strong performance of key merchandise areas. Specifically, in July, we generated positive results in juniors, accessories, shoes, and in both better and moderate sportswear. In our home store division, furniture performed extremely well for the month. Moreover, we continued to manage our inventory levels and ended the month with comparable store inventory down 3.8% from last year. We are well positioned for the start of the fall season and remain on track to achieve our objectives for the full year.”
Sales results are summarized as follows:
Same Store
July 30, July 31, Total % Sales %
2005 2004 Increase Increase
(in 000's)
Sales, 4 Weeks Ended $43,521 $41,402 5.1% 5.8%
Sales, 13 Weeks Ended $151,638 $ 147,776 2.6% 3.1%
Sales, 26 Weeks Ended $295,742 $ 292,310 1.2% 1.3%
The company continues to anticipate its new River Park lifestyle center store in Fresno will open on August 11th.
