The Company's consolidated inventories increased slightly to $56.5 million at September 30, 2008 versus the year-ago level of $56.2 million. Wholesale inventories decreased by 6.8% to $28.1 million, consistent with the business trend. Consumer Direct inventories increased 8.7% to $28.4 million primarily to support new stores.
The Company's balance sheet remained strong at September 30, 2008 with cash and cash equivalents of $51.0 million and no long-term debt. In addition, the Company announced today that its board of directors had approved its quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share. The dividend is payable on December 11, 2008 to shareholders of record as of November 20, 2008.