Internet sales at Sharper Image Corp. decreased 12% in March to $8.7 million from last March's $10 million, the company reported today. Total sales decreased 3% to $53.1 million from last March's $54.8 million. The web accounted for 16.4% of Sharper Image sales in March vs. 18.2% in March last year.
Store sales increased 3% to $28.6 million from last March's $27.8 million; comparable store sales decreased 9%. Catalog/direct marketing sales (including wholesale) decreased 8% to $15.8 million from last March's $17.1 million.
"Sales in March were in line with our modest expectations for the early part of our fiscal year, taking note of the significant sales increases in early 2004," said Richard Thalheimer, founder, chairman and CEO. "Our Merchandising and Sharper Image Design development teams are working on an extensive line-up of exciting new products for introduction later this year. We believe this new selection of products will yield improved sales results in the fall and holiday seasons.
Also, J. C. Penney Co. Inc. reported that Internet-based sales grew 30% in April without reporting dollar amounts. Companywide sales were up 0.8% to $1.56 billion from $1.55 billion a year ago. Combined catalog/Internet sales were flat at $261 million in the month. Comparable department store sales were down 0.1%.
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