That's A Lot of Back-Massagers

Brookstone Inc. (Nashua, N.H.) reported a 6.5 percent rise in total sales for the fiscal year ended Feb. 1, 2003. Same-store sales for the 258-store household items and gadgets chain were up 3.5 percent.

For the fourth quarter of 2002, net income was up 20.5 percent, total sales climbed 9.1 percent and same-store sales surged 7.8 percent.

“We ended the year in a very strong financial position that leaves us confident we will be able to execute our forward plans,” said chairman, president and ceo Michael Anthony. “In 2002, Brookstone focused its energies and resources on substantially increasing the profitability of the company. Emerging from the difficult retail environment of 2001, we redoubled our product development efforts to bring to market compelling, innovative and differentiated products that enhance the lives of our customers.”

Brookstone's stores are mostly located in high-traffic regional shopping malls and airports. The company also operates three Gardeners Eden stores.