Net sales for the first quarter ended May 2, 2026 (13 weeks) increased 4.9 percent to $193.3 million from $184.3 million in the first quarter ended May 3, 2025 (13 weeks). Sales were expected to be in the range of $189 million to $193 million. Comparable sales for the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2026, increased 4.0 percent.

Net loss in the first quarter was $13.3 million, or 82 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $14.3 million, or 79 cents, in the first quarter of the prior fiscal year. Guidance had called for earnings in the range of a loss of 77 cents to a loss of 87 cents.

The first quarter of 2025 was negatively impacted by $2.9 million, or roughly 13 cents per share, due to the settlement of a wage-and-hours lawsuit in California. Though operating income and net income improved year over year, EPS was down slightly, as the company was in a loss position in the first quarter and reduced share counts through its share buyback programs.

On May 2, the company had cash and current marketable securities of $124.2 million compared to cash and current marketable securities of $101.0 million on May 3, 2025. The increase was primarily driven by $47.5 million of cash flow from operations and the release of $3.0 million in restricted cash, partially offset by $19.0 million in share repurchases and $10.5 million in capital expenditures. The company repurchased 0.3 million shares during the first quarter of 2026 at an average cost, including commission, of $23.56 per share and a total cost of $6.2 million.

“We continue to make important progress towards sustained profitable growth,” said Rick Brooks, chief executive officer of Zumiez Inc. “First quarter comparable sales increased mid-single digits for the second consecutive year, driven by ongoing strength in our North American business and strong mid-single digit comps in Europe. Sales trends in the U.S. remained nicely positive during the quarter despite increasing pressure on consumers, underscoring the success of our recent merchandise assortments and customer experience initiatives. While still in the early innings, the work we are doing to replicate our full-price selling model in Europe is gaining traction, contributing to year-over-year improvements in sales and margin. Despite some softness in North America during the May period, we are encouraged that we have been able to grow sales and margin through the challenges in the macro environment and feel we are well positioned to capitalize during the key back-to-school and holiday seasons when the consumer has a reason to come out and shop.”

May 2026 Sales
Net sales for the four-week period ended May 30, 2026, increased 0.1 percent compared to the four-week period ended May 31, 2025. Comparable sales for the four-week period ending May 30, 2026, decreased 0.1 percent from the comparable period in the prior year. From a regional perspective, comparable sales in North America decreased 1.5 percent, while comparable sales in other international markets increased 7.2 percent.

Fiscal 2026 Second Quarter Outlook
The company is introducing guidance for the three months ending August 1, 2026. Net sales are projected to be in the range of $210 to $215 million. Earnings per share are expected to be between a loss of $23 cents and a loss of 8 cents.

In fiscal 2026, the company currently intends to open approximately 5 new stores in North America and to close roughly 26 stores, including 20 in North America and 6 internationally.

Image courtesy Zumiez