Barnes & Noble`s web sales grew 65% last year

Barnes & Noble.com reported record fiscal 2000 sales of $320 million, up 65% over the prior year and 10% of Barnes & Noble's sales. Sales at Barnes & Noble's flagship stores increased 12.3% to $3.2 billion. Comparable store sales were up 4.9% from the previous year. Sales stayed strong in January, growing 5% over January 2000. The company expects to report retail earnings per share for fiscal 2000 of $1.69 (prior to a one-time charge). On a consolidated basis, including the company's share of pro-forma losses at Barnes & Noble.com and other investments, earnings for fiscal 2000 are expected to be $1.06 (prior to a one-time charge). On a consolidated basis, including the company's share of pro-forma losses at Barnes & Noble.com and other investments, earnings for fiscal 2001 are expected to be $1.71 per share, an increase of over 60% as compared to estimates for fiscal 2000 (prior to the one-time charge).