The web is the only growth channel for J. Crew and Spiegel in September
Internet sales at J. Crew Group Inc. grew 25% in the first three quarters of 2001 vs. 2000, but the growth wasn’t enough to make up for shortfalls in other channels. Companywide sales fell 1% for the period, J. Crew reported today. For September, total sales declined 8% from September 2000 while Internet sales grew 10%. J. Crew’s catalog was particularly hard hit, with catalog sales declining 22% in the first three quarters vs. last year and 24% in September.
Internet sales were $67.1 million in the first three quarters, up from $53.7 million last year. September sales were $10.1 million vs. $9.3 last year. Total sales were $465.4 million in the first three quarters, down from $469.4 million and $66.1 million in September vs. $72.1 million. Catalog sales were $76.8 million vs. $98.4 million for the first three quarters and $10.2 million vs. $13.3 million in September.
The company noted that September results reflect, in part, lost sales from
its World Trade Center location, as well as temporary closures in other New
York City locations and reduced customer traffic. Total sales for the week
ended September 15 were down 25% from the same week last year and comparable store sales were down 35%.
J. Crew operates 121 retail stores, the J. Crew catalog, jcrew.com and 41 factory outlet stores.
The Spiegel Group Inc. also reported that the Internet was its only growth area in September. Spiegel, which reports only percent change and not sales by channel, reported that Internet sales grew 27% in September, partially offsetting a 19% decrease in catalog sales. In total, direct sales declined 12% while the company`s retail store sales also decreased 12%. September sales reached $226 million vs. $257.1 million in September last year.
The company also reported that following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, it delayed some catalog mailings and e-mail marketing campaigns, pushing the expected revenue from those campaigns into October.
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