Mothers Work

Mothers Work Inc. (Philadelphia) announced a 7.8 percent increase in net sales for the month of February 2005. Same-store sales decreased 2.3 percent (based on 904 locations).

The maternity wear retailer said the reported comparable-store sales and total sales figures for this February reflect the adverse impact from having 28 days in February 2005 compared to 29 days in February 2004. Comparable-store sales for February 2005 versus the last 28 days of February 2004 increased 0.8.

During February 2005, the company opened two stores (including one multi-brand store) and closed seven stores, with three of these store closings related to multi-brand store openings. The Company ended the month with 869 stores and 1100 total retail locations, compared to 871 stores and 1026 total retail locations at the end of February 2004.

“We are pleased with our February sales, which exceeded our expectations somewhat and give us encouragement as we enter the prime spring selling season,” said president and chief operating officer Rebecca Matthias. “Our sales results for January and February put us on target to achieve our projected comparable-store sales decrease of 2 percent to 4 percent for the second quarter (January through March), and we are hopeful that we can continue to improve our sales performance during the second half of the fiscal year as planned. We are very excited about the in-store launch during February of our Oh Baby! By Motherhood collection at Kohl’s stores throughout the United States. We are also eagerly looking forward to the expansion of our proprietary Two Hearts Maternity collection in late March to a total of over 550 Sears locations. Finally, in early February in White Plains, N.Y., we opened our eighth Destination Maternity superstore, and we continue to be very excited about this new initiative.”