Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. has reported sales of $18.6 million for the four weeks ended April 30, 2005, compared to $17.9 million for the four weeks ended May 1, 2004. Year-to-date sales have decreased 13.7% to $84.3 million compared to $97.8 million for the same period last year. Sales for the month of April 2004 and the prior year-to-date period included approximately $0.7 million and $20.8 million, respectively, in liquidation sales resulting from the transfer of inventory to an independent liquidator.
Comparable store sales increased 13.0% for the four weeks ended April 30, 2005; this increase compares to a 3.5% decrease in comparable store sales for the four weeks ended May 1, 2004. Year-to-date comparable stores sales increased 15.8% compared to a decrease of 2.0% in the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the month of April 2004 and the prior year-to-date period do not include sales from stores that were liquidated.
Commenting on these results, Michael Searles, CEO, said, “We are pleased with our results for the month of April. However, April is typically one of our lowest volume months during the year. Strong sales in our NASCAR merchandise as well as unseasonably cool weather in most of our markets lifted our sales performance. Our focus continues to be on executing strategies that will ensure a successful holiday selling season.”
