J. Crew Retail & Factory Store sales up in 2007

12 Mar '08

3 min read

J. Crew Group Inc announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 2, 2008 (fiscal 2007). The Company noted that the prior year, fiscal 2006, consisted of 53 weeks, resulting in a 14-week fiscal fourth quarter in the prior year. The 53rd week is not included in comparable store sales calculations for fiscal 2006 periods.

For the three months ended February 2, 2008 (fourth quarter):
• Revenues increased 9% to $399.9 million. Store sales (Retail and Factory) increased 8% to $260.6 million, with comparable store sales remaining flat. Realigning last year's calendar weeks to be consistent with the current year retail calendar weeks would result in a comparable store sales increase of 4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Comparable store sales rose 7% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Direct sales (Internet and Catalog) rose by 11% to $126.0 million. Direct sales increased 43% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. The impact of the 53rd week of fiscal 2006 on Store and Direct sales was $8.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

• Gross margin increased to 41.3% of revenues from 40.8% of revenues in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.

• Operating income increased 16% to $43.3 million, or 10.8% of revenues, compared to $37.3 million, or 10.2% of revenues, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. Operating income in the fourth quarter of the current period includes the impact of the recognition of severance costs of $2.3 million. Operating income adjusted for severance costs increased 22% to $45.6 million, or 11.4% of revenues.

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