US footwear and accessories retailer Shoe Carnival, Inc. has reported a 24.3% rise in sales for the four-week period ended October 29, 2005. Sales increased to

$49.8 million from $40.0 million for the four-week period ended October 30, 2004. Comparable store sales increased 21.2% in October 2005.

Commenting on October sales, Mark Lemond, president and chief executive officer, stated, "October was a great month for Shoe Carnival. In fact, the month's comparable store sales increase was the second highest in the company's history. Although our women's dress, casual and boot product substantially outperformed our expectations, all of our product categories recorded significant comparable stores sales increases."

Sales for the 13-week period ended October 29, 2005 increased 12.3% to $182.7 million from sales of $162.7 million for the thirteen-week period ended October 30, 2004. Comparable store sales increased 8.3% for the third quarter of 2005.

Sales for the first nine months of 2005 increased 10.3% to $492.1 million from sales of $446.3 million for the first nine months of 2004.