Brookstone

Brookstone Inc. (Merrimack, N.H.) announced a 6.6 percent sales decrease for the second quarter ended July 30, 2005. Same-store sales decreased 10 percent. These sales figures exclude the company’s Gardeners Eden brand, which has been classified as discontinued operations based upon the previously announced decision to sell the business.

Year-to-date, total sales for the 26-week period decreased 2.2 percent and same-store sales decreased 7.3 percent.

“In the second quarter of 2005, we opened three new stores, for a total of four new stores year-to-date,” said chairman, president and ceo Michael Anthony. “We remain on track to open a total of approximately 20 new stores and remodel approximately 11 stores in 2005.”

Because of the seasonal nature of specialty retailing, Brookstone generally carries a loss over the first three quarters and makes its profit for the year in the fourth quarter.

As previously announced, Brookstone has signed a definitive merger agreement which was amended as of July 15, 2005, to be acquired by a consortium led by OSIM International Ltd., J.W. Childs Associates L.P. and Temasek Capital (Private) Limited.