and to close three production facilities were necessary to address the disruptive environment prevalent in this channel.
Several other large apparel suppliers are now starting to report similar conditions and are beginning to take similar actions to address this trend.
Revenues of product lines directed to the mainstream department store channel so far this year represented approximately 13% of consolidated sales, compared to 19% last year, and this declining trend is expected to continue over the balance of the year.
Tailored clothing in this channel remains under intense revenue and margin pressures and continues to be a source of concern.