The Talbots Inc announced total Company sales for the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2006 of $568.6 million, versus last year's reported sales of $426.3 million.
By brand, retail sales were $382.7 million for Talbots compared to $362.6 million last year, and $77.3 million for J. Jill, which was acquired effective May 3, 2006.
Sales for the J. Jill brand represent approximately 20 percent of the total combined company sales volume.
Total Company comparable store sales rose 2.3 percent for the thirteen-week period. By brand, comparable store sales for Talbots increased a healthy 4 percent, with particularly strong Talbots brand sales trends in August and September.
However, customer demand moderated in the latter part of October. For the J. Jill brand, comparable store sales declined 6.6 percent in the period, which was in line with Company expectations.
Consolidated direct marketing sales for the thirteen-week period were $108.6 million, including catalog and Internet. For the Talbots brand, direct marketing sales for the quarter were also strong, increasing high-single digits, while the J. Jill direct business continued to be difficult.
Third Quarter Outlook The Company reconfirmed its previously announced outlook for the third quarter earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $0.12 to $0.15 on a GAAP basis.
This range of earnings per share includes acquisition related costs and adjustments of approximately $0.14 and stock option expense of approximately $0.04 per share.
marketing@alchempro.com
