Shoppers' rush continue for jewellery & accessories at Claire's Stores
01 Dec '06
2 min read
Claire's Stores Inc reported that for the four weeks ended November 25, 2006 comparable store sales were flat compared to last November, when comparable store sales rose five percent. Total sales during the four-week period ended November 25, 2006 increased nine percent to $110,278,000 compared with $101,433,000 for the comparable four-week period last year.
Please note that our comparable store sales numbers are calculated in local currencies. Total sales numbers give effect to the impact of foreign exchange.
Bonnie Schaefer, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO stated that, "As predicted, the comparable store sales performance of our International division continues to fluctuate. Our stores in Switzerland, Austria and Germany continue to perform well despite the daunting comparisons they face. We have found that the customers there have shopping habits that are the most closely aligned with our North American customers.”
“As we have previously stated, the retail environments in the UK and France are difficult, with traffic slower than at this time last year. However, customers in the stores are shopping and on an aggregate year to date basis, International average ticket prices have increased since last November. We are continuously introducing new merchandise at attractive prices to provide customers with an appealing selection."
Marla Schaefer, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO noted that, "The trends that began earlier this fall have continued throughout November in both jewelry and accessories. Our customers are still shopping, however the nature of their purchases has changed."
"During November, on a consolidated basis, our North American stores saw an increase in transaction volume compared to last November, as well as an increase in units per transaction. This was offset however, by a decline in our average unit retail price. As fashions shift and as we move past comparisons against the higher priced Bohemian merchandise, we anticipate a return to more robust comparable store sales."