Gottschalks

Gottschalks Inc. (Fresno, Calif.) reported a 0.6 percent decrease in total sales and same-store sales for the month of February 2005.

“Sales for the month reflect softer sales in most of our apparel categories due to unusually rainy weather experienced in California, where a majority of our stores are located,” said president and ceo Jim Famalette. “However, our home division improved compared to the same period last year, with housewares, textiles, furniture and mattresses all generating strong results. We are pleased to already be seeing positive results from the initial new merchandising initiatives we are implementing in the home area. At the close of the month our inventory in comp stores was even with the comparable period last year.”