Gottschalks

Gottschalks Inc. (Fresno, Calif.) announced that same-store sales for the month of December 2004 were even with the prior year. Total sales for the month decreased 0.5 percent. For the month, the regional department store retailer operated one less store than the same period of fiscal 2003.

Year-to-date, same-store sales are up 0.3 percent though total sales have decreased 0.7 percent.

“Sales for the month were not as strong as we had expected,” said president and ceo Jim Famalette. “The major storms we experienced during the final week of December throughout California and Nevada impacted traffic in many our stores. In addition, we experienced a strong increase in gift card sales this holiday season. During December, our gift card sales were up over 12 percent compared to the previous year and we expect sales to be generated in the weeks ahead as shoppers use their cards. The best performing areas in December were better sportswear, women’s accessories, shoes, cosmetics and housewares.”