In the fourth quarter, gross profit margin decreased 100 basis points to 45.4%. The decrease was the result of a 150 basis point decrease in merchandise margin, partially offset by a 50 basis point improvement in fixed occupancy costs. The decrease in merchandise margin was due to the impact of liquidating markdowns associated with closing certain stores.
For fiscal 2010, gross profit margin increased 166 basis points to 45.8%. The increase was driven by a 96 basis point improvement in merchandise margins and a 70 basis point improvement in fixed occupancy costs.