Our overall retail gross margins increased as a result of an increase in pricing and less promotional activity at our retail outlet stores. Retail operating expense increased as a result of operating 21 retail stores compared to 14 in the prior year period and an impairment charge of $1.14 million to reduce the carrying value of certain long lived assets at two of our stores.
Corporate and Other For the third quarter of fiscal 2011, our corporate and other expenses were $4.5 million compared to $4.2 million a year ago. Corporate and other expenses increased due to our investment in print and other advertising costs associated with support and promotion of the Joe's brand and products.
Joe's Jeans Inc designs, produces and sells apparel and apparel-related products to the retail and premium markets under the Joe's brand and related trademarks.