Sweaters, outerwear & cold weather accessories sales down at Ann Taylor

01 Dec '06

2 min read

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation announced that net sales for the four-week period ended November 25, 2006 increased 2.1% to $186.4 million, compared with net sales of $182.5 million for the four-week period ended November 26, 2005.

By division, net sales were $73.3 million for Ann Taylor compared to $76.2 million last year, and $86.2 million for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to $86.1 million last year.

Comparable store sales for November 2006 declined 4.3% compared to a comparable store sales increase of 12.9% for the same four-week period last year. By division, comparable store sales for fiscal November 2006 were down 3.4% for Ann Taylor compared to an 18.6% increase last year, and down 7.7% for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to a 10.2% increase last year.

Kay Krill, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ann Taylor, stated, "The month of November got off to a slow start, particularly in the context of the very strong November we reported last year."

"As expected, the unusually warm weather in much of the country negatively impacted results in weather-sensitive categories such as sweaters, outerwear and cold weather accessories at both Ann Taylor and LOFT. Our sales trend picked up in the latter part of the month, and our performance on Black Friday was strong at both divisions.”

“For the month, Ann Taylor continued to successfully drive increased full-price sales, while LOFT continued to clear through remaining fall sweater inventory. OurDecember store set for both divisions will be in stores this week, with the new merchandise at Ann Taylor having a wear-to-work focus, and the new merchandise at LOFT having a more casual focus."

Ann Taylor Stores

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