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Specialty retailer Ann Taylor gain 11.6% in Dec sales

06 Jan '06

2 min read

Women's fashion specialty retailer AnnTaylor Stores Corporation announced that total net sales for the five-week period ended December 31, 2005 increased 11.6 percent to $267,695,000 over total net sales of $239,924,000 for the five-week period ended January 1, 2005.

By division, net sales were $114,463,000 for Ann Taylor compared to $110,165,000 last year, and $128,811,000 for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to $107,436,000 last year.

Comparable store sales for the period increased 1.5 percent compared to a comparable store sales decrease of 1.5 percent for the same five-week period last year.

By division, comparable store sales for fiscal December 2005 were up 2.3 percent for Ann Taylor compared to a 7.4 percent decrease last year, and up 1.6 percent for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to a 6.3 percent increase last year.

Kay Krill, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ann Taylor, stated, "During December, both divisions experienced positive comparable store sales in all regions despite mid to high single-digit declines in traffic.

At Ann Taylor, given the strong momentum they experienced in November, sales were somewhat lower than expected. However, two categories that were particularly well received were sweaters and special occasion.

LOFT performed in line with their expectations for the month, highlighted by strength in sweaters, separates, dresses and special occasion offerings.

Based on their December and year-to-date results, they remain comfortable with their previous guidance of earnings per diluted share of $1.17, though they continue to carefully monitor the highly promotional retail environment."

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