Shoe Carnival, Inc. had sales for the first quarter ended May 2, 2009 of $167.3 million compared to sales of $162.1 million for the prior year first quarter, an increase of 3.2%. Comparable store sales declined 0.3%.


Net earnings for the thirteen-week first quarter were $4.1 million, or 33 cents per diluted share, compared to net earnings of $4.8 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, for the thirteen-week prior year first quarter ended May 3, 2008.


The gross profit margin for the first quarter was 27.9% compared to 29.0% for the first quarter of the prior year. The merchandise margin decreased 1.3% primarily due to the aggressive liquidation of product within our women's non-athletic category. As a percentage of sales, buying, distribution and occupancy costs decreased 0.2%.


Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter were $40.1 million, or 24.0% of sales, compared to $39.3 million, or 24.2% of sales, for the first quarter of 2008.


Speaking on the results, Mark Lemond, chief executive officer and president said, “We are pleased to report first quarter comparable store sales were relatively flat with last year. Sales of our athletic footwear, including both children's and adult, recorded a mid-single digit increase. Our customer continued to react to the value pricing of our adult dress and casual product, especially during the clearance period of February through early March. Consequently, our sales for the quarter were better than expected, but our merchandise margin was below our initial plan. However, during the warmer month of April, our women’s non-athletic product, particularly sandals, began to sell well and the merchandise margin stabilized.


“At the end of the first quarter, our per-store inventories were 8.4% below last year, which we feel is an appropriate level. Therefore, we do not expect to continue to significantly lower inventory during the remainder of fiscal 2009 relative to the prior year.


“We were able to leverage selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales and, through aggressive expense control, hold the total dollar increase to $733,000, despite opening 10 new stores and operating 20 more stores than last year at the end of the first quarter.”


Lemond continued, “As we look forward, we recognize that our targeted moderate income customer will continue to be impacted by the economic downturn and sales within the retail sector may continue to experience downward pressure. Therefore, we will continue to manage our business conservatively, maintaining tight control over both our inventories and our cost structure.”



Store Growth



Currently, the company expects to open approximately 15 new stores in fiscal 2009 and close ten stores. Store openings and closings by quarter and for the fiscal year are currently planned as follows:


































































































































                    New Stores         Stores Closings
1st Quarter 2009 10 1
2nd Quarter 2009 2 1
3rd Quarter 2009 3 2
4th Quarter 2009 0 6
Fiscal 2009 15 10
 

The ten stores opened during the first quarter included locations in:



















































































































































            City         Market/Total Stores in Market
Hendersonville, TN Nashville/6
Atlanta, GA Atlanta/9
Aberdeen, NC Raleigh/5
Norman, OK Oklahoma City/4
Charlotte, NC Charlotte/7
Monroe, NC Charlotte/7
Mathews, NC Charlotte/7
Washington, UT Salt Lake City/5
Orem, UT Salt Lake City/5
Harlingen, TX Harlingen/5

















































































































































































































































































































































     

SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


(In thousands, except per share)

 
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
May 2, 2009 		Thirteen
Weeks Ended
May 3, 2008
 
 
       
Net sales $ 167,269 $ 162,119

Cost of sales (including buying,
distribution and occupancy costs)

  120,629   115,039
 
Gross profit 46,640 47,080

Selling, general and administrative
expenses

  40,056   39,323
 
Operating income 6,584 7,757
Interest income (3 ) (37 )
Interest expense   42   33
 
Income before income taxes 6,545 7,761
Income tax expense   2,413   2,977
 
Net income $ 4,132 $ 4,784
 
Net income per share:
Basic $ .33 $ .39
Diluted $ .33 $ .38
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