In spite of the general upswing in women’s footwear sales around the world, US retailer Bakers Footwear Group, Inc.’s results have bucked the trend, with the company reporting a fall in sales in the second quarter.

For the thirteen weeks ended August 4, net sales decreased 11% to $42 million, from $47.2 million in the same period a year earlier, whilst comparable store sales slipped 18.3%. For the first twenty-six weeks, net sales decreased 5.9% to $91.2 million, compared with $97 million.

The company cited an unfavourable response to sandals as the main factor behind the declines.

Bakers operates over 250 stores across the USA focusing on footwear for women between the ages of 16 and 35.