Costume jewelry and accessories retailer Claire's Stores Inc has reported that for the four weeks ended May 27th 2006 comparable store sales increased four percent after increasing three percent during the corresponding four-week period last year.
Total sales during the four-week period ended May 27th 2006 increased eight percent to $102,562,000 compared with $94,593,000 for the comparable four-week period last year.
Comparable store sales results for May 2006 compared to May 2005 were as follows:
-- Claire's North America: positive mid single digits
-- Claire's International: positive low single digits
-- Icing by Claire's: positive high single digits
Bonnie Schaefer, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of Claire's Stores stated that, "Our International comparable store sales remained in positive territory, delivering growth in the low single digits. Direct comparisons to last May are made somewhat difficult however due to shifts in six European holidays, one of which fell on a weekday this year versus Sunday last year when we are normally closed, and one of which will shift to June this year.”
“Our plans for building our International jewelry inventories are progressing well and customers are responding favorably to the increased offerings in this area," Bonnie said.
Marla Schaefer, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of Claire's Stores noted that, "Claire's and Icing by Claire's each performed at or above plan during the month of May, with Icing by Claire's delivering the stronger comparable store sales increases. We were particularly pleased with the comparable store sales gains registered at both Claire's and Icing by Claire's during the week preceding Mother's Day compared to the period immediately prior to Mother's Day last year."
Claire's Stores Inc is a leading international specialty retailer offering value-priced costume jewelry and accessories to fashion-aware tweens, teens and young adults through its two store concepts: Claire's and Icing by Claire's.
marketing@alchempro.com
