West Marine net sales for April were $82.2 million, a 10.3% increase from net sales of $74.5 million for the four-week period a year ago. Comparable store net sales for May increased 6.0% compared to the same period a year ago.

Net sales for the twenty-one weeks ended May 29, 2004 were $279.1 million, an increase of 13.6% from net sales of $245.7 million for the same period a year ago. Comparable store net sales for the latest twenty-one weeks increased 8.2% compared to the same period a year ago.

John Edmondson, CEO of West Marine, said, “We were very pleased with our May sales results. Comparable store sales by region for May were as follows: Northeast 5.0%, Southeast 3.0%, and West Coast 12.5%.

“As we've previously stated, the month of June is approximately half of our total sales in the second quarter. Based upon the expected impact of Independence Day sales events shifting from July last year into June this year, we remain comfortable with our second quarter comparable store sales guidance of an increase of 7% to 8% over last year.”