Specialty retailer of leather outerwear, accessories and apparel Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. has reported a 15.1% fall in sales for the four weeks ended November 26, to $41.3 million compared with $48.6 million for the four weeks ended November 27, 2004. Year-to-date sales decreased 10.1% to $260.4 million compared with $289.6 million for the same period last year.

Comparable store sales decreased 13.8% for the four-week period. This decrease compares with a 3.1% decrease in comparable store sales for the comparable period in 2004. Year-to-date comparable store sales increased 0.1% compared with an increase of 3.3% in the same period last year.

Commenting on the results, Michael Searles, CEO, said, "Our comparable store sales results for the month were lower than expected. Unfavourable weather patterns impacted our early November sales. In addition, while our gross margin dollar contribution for the post-Thanksgiving week exceeded last year, our sales performance was disappointing. As a result of our improved margin rate when compared to last year, we continue to be cautiously optimistic as we enter the holiday selling season."