Women's specialty retailer AnnTaylor Stores Corporation has informed that total net sales for the four-week period ended January 28, 2006 increased 22.4 percent to $123,856,000 over total net sales of $101,228,000 for the four-week period ended January 29, 2005.
By division, net sales were $55,185,000 for Ann Taylor compared to $47,008,000 last year, and $56,335,000 for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to $43,791,000 last year.
Same-store sales for the month of January increased 10.9 percent compared to a comparable store sales decrease of 3.6 percent last year. By division, same-store sales increased 15.7 percent for Ann Taylor compared to a 7.2 percent decrease last year, and increased 8.4 percent for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to a 0.3 percent decrease last year.
Kay Krill, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ann Taylor, said, "Both the Ann Taylor division and Ann Taylor LOFT ended fiscal 2005 in a strong position, delivering positive comparable store sales gains in January and in the fourth quarter.
"I could not be more proud to report that LOFT achieved an important milestone in January, as sales including the on-line business surpassed the $1 billion mark. This is quite an achievement for a business that we launched only eight years ago, and I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication to building this great brand.
"Based on our January and year-to-date performance, we expect to report earnings per diluted share for Fiscal 2005 in line with our previous guidance of $1.17 on a GAAP basis."
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