Sport Chalet posted its highest comp store sales gain since fiscal fourth quarter of 2001 when it reported an 11.3% comp store gain, and the first Q2 positive gain in three years as it capitalized on the growth in newer stores to show a nice 3.7% gain in the period ended September 30, 2003.
Total sales increased 9.8% to $61.8 million for the quarter, impacted by the addition of two new stores in the fiscal third quarter last year. Gross margin improved due to fewer markdowns and tighter inventory.
The retailer, based in LaCanada, CA north of Los Angeles, had a grand opening this weekend at their 29th store location. The 42,000+ sq. ft. store is located in the city of Redlands, CA and will feature an on-site pool to support its diving and watersports businesses.
Sport Chalets expansion into NorCal will continue next year with new locations in Roseville and Elk Grove, both outside the city of Sacramento. A third store will open in the Southern California city of Arcadia.
In response to the devastating SoCal fires, Sport Chalet has set up a station at the Redlands store grand opening to accept monetary donations benefiting the American Red Cross Inland Empire Chapter. Sport Chalet will match all monetary donations up to $20,000 to help the victims in the area.
