Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc reported sales of $21.9 million for the five weeks ended April 7, 2007 as compared to $27.9 million for the five weeks ended April 1, 2006. Year-to-date sales for the Company's stores decreased 23.2% to $44.2 million compared to $57.6 million for the same period last year.
Comparable store sales decreased 16.8% for the five weeks ended April 7, 2007; this decrease compares to a 14.0% decrease in comparable store sales for the five weeks ended April 1, 2006. Year-to-date comparable store sales decreased 21.0% compared to a decrease of 11.7% for the same period last year.
Michael Searles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "While we continued to struggle from a traffic perspective during the month of March, average purchase size continues to show improvement, increasing by 18.0% in our mall stores. In 2007, we are focused on building traffic so that we can deliver improved performance with our new product offering. Sales for the last week of the month were higher than the same period last year, reflecting the effect of the Easter calendar shift."
Wilsons Leather is the leading specialty retailer of leather outerwear, accessories and apparel in the United States. As of April 7, 2007, Wilsons Leather operated 416 stores located in 45 states, including 286 mall stores, 116 outlet stores and 14 airport stores.
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc
marketing@alchempro.com
