Shoe Carnival, Inc. sales for the month of October
increased 24.3% to $49.8 million from sales of $40.0
million for the same month in 2004. Comparable store
sales increased 21.2% in October 2005.
Commenting on October sales, Mark Lemond, president and chief executive officer, stated “October was a great month for Shoe Carnival. In fact, the month's comparable store sales increase was the second highest in the Company's history. Although our women's dress, casual and boot product substantially outperformed our expectations, all of our product categories recorded significant comparable stores sales increases.”
Sales for the thirteen-week period ended October 29, 2005 increased 12.3% to $182.7 million from sales of $162.7 million for the thirteen-week period ended October 30, 2004. Comparable store sales increased 8.3% for the third quarter of 2005.
Sales for the first nine months of 2005 increased 10.3% to $492.1 million from sales of $446.3 million for the first nine months of 2004. Comparable store sales increased 5.5% for the thirty-nine week period.
Based on the October sales performance, the Company now expects diluted earnings per share to be $0.52 or $0.53 for the third quarter of 2005. The Company also announced the opening of two stores during the month, one each in Sioux City, IA and Chesapeake, VA.
