Gottschalks Inc. (Fresno, Calif.) has reported a same-store sales increase of 11.2 percent for March 2004. Total sales increased 4.9 percent.
Year to date, the retailer’s same-store sales are up 7.3 percent and total sales are up 4.9 percent.
The regional department store chain is operating five fewer stores than a year ago.
“We experienced strong sales trends across all regions during March and exceeded our comparable store sales growth expectations,” said president and ceo Jim Famalette. “We benefited from good weather as well as the launch of our marketing campaign to commemorate Gottschalks’ 100th year anniversary. Our best performing merchandise categories for the month were women’s sportswear, juniors, intimate apparel and shoes. As planned, we ended the month with comparable store inventory down 7 percent from last year.”