Minneapolis-based apparel store Christopher & Banks Corporation reported total sales for the four-week period ended December 24, 2005 increased 9 percent to $60.2 million from $55.1 million last year, while December same-store sales rose 2 percent.
For the ten months ended December 24, 2005 total sales increased 13 percent to $424.1 million from $374.7 million in the prior period, while same-store sales rose 2 percent. As of December 24, 2005 the Company operated 707 stores compared to 648 stores as of December 25, 2004.
Joe Pennington, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "December same-store sales were in line with the guidance provided in December 20, 2005 earnings release. Company is pleased that December merchandise margins were solidly above last year levels."
"Additionally, they are encouraged that gift card sales increased from nine million last year to eleven million this year during the Thanksgiving through Christmas period. As continue to have well controlled inventories, expect that January merchandise margins will trend above margins achieved last January."
Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based specialty retailer of women's clothing. The Company operates 707 stores in 45 states under the names: Christopher & Banks, C.J. Banks and Acorn. The Company currently has 504 Christopher & Banks stores, 179 C.J. Banks stores and 24 Acorn stores.
Christopher & Banks Corporation
marketing@alchempro.com
