Gross profit margin for the first six months of 2006 increased to 29.3 percent from 28.8 percent last year.
Lemond continued "Our early results so far in the third quarter have been encouraging. In the areas of the country where schools are already back in session, our stores have experienced early comparable store sales increases. It is clearly apparent to us that the customer continues to shop closer to need for their back-to-school purchases."
Earnings per diluted share in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 are expected to range from $0.55 to $0.57. This assumes a comparable store sales increase of 1 to 2 percent.
For the full year of 2006, it expects diluted earnings per share to range from $1.65 to $1.70. Currently, it expects to open 14 or 15 stores in fiscal 2006 and close seven stores.
Shoe Carnival is a chain of 266 footwear stores located in the Midwest, South and Southeast. Combining value pricing with an entertaining store format, it is a leading retailer of name brand and private label footwear for the entire family.
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