Internet sales at apparel retailer J. Jill Group Inc. doubled in the first quarter ended March 31 this year over first quarter of last year. Sales at JJill.com totaled $12.4 million up from $6 million a year ago. Internet sales account for 23% of direct channel (excluding retail stores) sales volume, nearly double the 12% of a year ago. Sales by Internet and catalog combined grew 13% over the year-earlier period to $53 million.
Companywide, first quarter sales increased 30.3% to $63.3 million from $48.6 million a year ago. Operating income for the quarter totaled $1.6 million, representing a 21.9% increase over last year's $1.3 million. Net income for the period increased by 47.1% to $796,000 from $541,000 reported in the comparable period last year.
"We are pleased to have achieved a 30% sales increase accompanied by a 47% increase in net income for the first quarter of 2001 in a very difficult retail and economic environment,” said Gordon R. Cooke, president and CEO. “These results were achieved even as we continued to make significant investments in our retail store roll-out and enhanced our e-commerce channel of distribution."
The J. Jill Group sells upscale women's apparel, accessories and footwear designed to appeal to active, affluent women age 35 and older.
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