US-based specialty retailer of leather outerwear, accessories and apparel Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. has posted lower sales for the second quarter ended July 2. Net sales decreased 15.8% to $49.2 million compared with $58.4 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales decreased 16.2% compared with an increase of 8.7% in the same period last year.

The company reported a net loss for the second quarter of $24.5 million compared with a net loss of $14 million in the corresponding period in 2005.

Year-to-date sales decreased 13.2% to $123.8 million compared with $142.7 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales for the six-month period decreased 13% compared with an increase of 12.8% for the same period last year.

Net loss in the first half of 2006 was $31 million compared with a net loss of $17.8 million in the first half of 2005.