The Tommy Bahama Group reported fourth quarter sales of $118 million compared to a $126 million in the year ago quarter. Sales growth in the branded business was offset by the previously announced exit from this segment's private label business, which declined, to less than $0.5 million in the fourth quarter from approximately $15 million in the same period last year. The Tommy Bahama Group's branded business increased 6 percent in the fourth quarter to $118 million from $111 million in the year ago period. Operating income for this segment increased to $22.8 million from $21.3 million last year. The improvement in profitability was due primarily to a greater percentage of both higher margin branded sales and company-owned retail sales.
The Menswear Group, which includes results for Ben Sherman in the current period but not in the prior period, reported a fourth quarter sales increase of 59 percent to $188 million compared to sales of $118 million in the same period last year. The Ben Sherman business performed exceptionally well during the quarter, contributing $43 million in sales.
Excluding the impact of Ben Sherman, the Menswear Group's historical businesses recorded a 23 percent sales increase over last year to $145 million, with broad-based growth across most major product categories. Fourth quarter operating earnings for the Menswear Group increased 13 percent over last year to $17.2 million. This increase was due to the significant contribution from Ben Sherman, partially offset by start up expenses for new marketing initiatives and a decline in profitability in private label sportswear and casual pants.
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