Shoe Carnival, Inc. reported earnings fell 34.2% in the first quarter ended May 3, to $4.8 million, or 38 cents a share, from $7.3 million, or 53 cents, a year ago. Sales slid 2.2% to $162.1 million from $165.7 million with comps decreasing 4.9%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first quarter were $39.3 million, or 24.2% of sales, compared to $39.3 million, or 23.7% of sales, for the quarter. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales was attributable to the decrease in net sales.
“We anticipated a challenging economic environment going into 2008 and worked diligently to face this challenge through tight inventory and expense control,” said Mark Lemond, chief executive officer and president. “Our merchandising group kept inventories flat on a per store basis when compared to the end of the first quarter of 2007. Seasonal product sales were disappointing, particularly in the sandals and opened up dress shoe categories. Our management team did a commendable job controlling selling, general and administrative expenses during the quarter. These expenses were flat on a dollar basis year over year, despite ending the first quarter with fifteen more stores than the prior year.”
“We anticipate the challenging economic environment will continue to impact our targeted moderate income consumer in 2008. As a result, we will continue to plan and execute our business in a conservative manner and our merchandising group is more focused than ever on reducing inventory levels in weaker performing footwear categories.”
Store Growth
Currently, the company expects to open 22 to 25 new stores in fiscal 2008 and close nine stores. The two stores opened during the first quarter included locations in Washington, MO, and Collierville, TN.
