Net sales of the Stride Rite Children’s Group-Retail division increased 7%, compared with the same quarter in 2005. Although sales at comparable Children’s Group retail stores decreased 3.4%, as a result of the Easter holiday and spring promotions, some store comparative sales increased 7.8% compared with 2004.

There was an 8% decrease in net sales in the Keds division due to higher product sell–in to the premium channels in 2005. However, Sperry Top-Sider sales increased 21%, particularly in the marine and family shoe retail channels. Saucony net sales reached $24.6 million for the first quarter of 2006.

International sales increased 159%, mainly as a result of the added Saucony International sales and higher sales of Tommy Hilfiger in Canada and Latin America, and Keds footwear in Canada and Sperry Top-Sider in Europe and South Africa.

Net sales of Tommy Hilfiger men’s and women’s products for the first quarter decreased 18% due to reductions in department store product sales, promotional product sales and a decline in the men’s business, as well as the discontinuation of the Tommy H product line.