Zumiez, Inc. upwardly adjusted its EPS guidance for the fourth quarter but pulled back its previous net sales guidance for the period, based on performance in the international markets during the nine-week holiday period ended January 3.

The retailer reported comparable sales for the nine-week period ended January 3 increased 2.9 percent from the comparable nine-week period in the prior year, with North America comparable sales up 6.5 percent for the period and Other International comparable sales, which consists of Europe and Australia, down 8.9 percent versus the same comparative period in the prior year.

During the nine-week period, the Women’s category posted the largest positive comparable sales growth, followed by Men’s, Accessories and Hardgoods. Footwear was the only category with negative comparable sales.

Based on the nine-week holiday period results, the company is now forecasting the fiscal 2025 fourth quarter as follows:

  • Net sales will be between $287 million and $290 million; a reduction compared to the company’s previous guidance range of $291 million to $296 million. The decrease is driven by softer International sales.
  • Earnings per share for the quarter are now expected to be between $1.05 and $1.10 per share, up from the prior guidance range of 97 cents to $1.07 per share. The increase is driven by stronger product margins in Europe and North America, as well as expense management.

Rick Brooks, CEO of Zumiez, Inc., stated, “We are pleased with the 6.5 percent comparable sales growth in our North America business over the holiday period, continuing the strong trends we experienced throughout the back-to-school season. At the same time, our heightened focus on full-price selling in Europe drove a 600-basis-point improvement in our European product margin quarter-to-date. While European sales were less than anticipated, this product margin growth, combined with the ongoing strength in North America, has allowed us to increase our earnings guidance for the quarter. We look forward to building on our recent progress in fiscal 2026 and generating greater value for our shareholders in the years to come.”

 Image courtesy Zumiez, Inc.