Claire's Stores, Inc. Reports October Sales Increase 36%
Same Store Sales Increase 7%
PEMBROKE PINES, FL., November 2, Claire's Stores, Inc.
(NYSE:CLE) reported today sales for the four weeks ended October
28, 2000 increased 36 percent to $71,893,000 compared with
$52,843,000 reported for the four weeks ended October 30, 1999.
Same store sales increased 7 percent for the month on a
consolidated basis. The fashion accessory division increased 8
percent while Mr. Rags increased 5 percent on a same store sales
basis.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2001, ended October 28,
sales increased 36 percent to $731,220,000 over sales of
$539,503,000 in the same period last year. Same store sales were
even for the first nine months of fiscal 2001.
Rowland Schaefer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Claire's, said "October marked the third consecutive month of
positive same store sales results for Claire's Stores, Inc. on a
consolidated basis and we were pleased to see a marked improvement
at our Afterthoughts division. Our scooter business has been very
strong as we have differentiated our product from others and we
also saw strength from our Halloween and Homecoming merchandise. We
are currently comfortable with fourth quarter estimates and feel we
are well positioned for the holiday selling season."
Pursuant to the $50 million stock repurchase program authorized
on May 3, 2000 by the Company's Board of Directors, the Company has
purchased 2,266,200 shares of the Company's common stock at an
average price of $19.26 per share as of November 1, 2000.
The Company will host a conference call for the third quarter of
fiscal 2001 on November 16, at 10:00 a.m. (EST). The call in number
is 888-809-8969 and the password is Claires. A replay will be
available through Friday November 24th. The replay number is
888-568-0743 and the password is 25247.
Claire's Stores, Inc.
(Monthly Sales in 000's)
Reporting Period FY 2001 FY 2000 TOTAL SAME STORE
CHANGE CHANGE
February $ 64,616 $ 46,807 38% (3)%
March 86,960 69,013 26% (11)%
April 80,451 54,843 47% 6%
May 73,144 54,102 35% (2)%
June 97,006 71,047 37% (1)%
July 81,595 60,941 34% 0%
August 87,517 66,904 31% 1%
September 88,038 63,003 40% 9%
October 71,893 52,843 36% 7%
Year to Date $731,220 $539,503 36% 0%
Claire's Stores, Inc., the leading mall-based retailer of
popular-priced pre-teen and teens accessories, costume jewelry and
apparel, currently operates more than 3,000 stores under the
following trade names: Claire's Accessories, Afterthoughts, the
Icing, Mr. Rags and Velvet Pixies. The stores are located
throughout North America, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland,
Switzerland, Austria, Germany and France.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION
REFORM ACT OF 1995: This release contains "forward-looking
statements" which represent the Company's expectations or beliefs
with respect to future events. These forward-looking statements are
subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those anticipated. Those factors
include, without limitation, changes in consumer preferences for
pre-teen and teen apparel and accessories, competition, and
economic conditions in North America, Europe, United Kingdom and
Japan.
Note: Other Claire's Stores, Inc. press releases, a corporate
profile and most recent 10-K and 10-Q reports are available by fax
at no charge. For a menu of available material, call 1-800-CLENYSE
(1-800-253-6973) or via Claire's Internet home page:
http://www.clairestores.com.
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Contacts: Claire's Stores, Inc.
Sonia Rohan, Director of Investor Relations
(212) 594-3127
Fax: (212) 244-4237
E-mail: sonia.rohan@claires.com
