Stage Stores Inc. (SSI) said its December comparable-store sales decreased 2.2% this year versus a decrease of 4.9% last year.
Total sales for the five week December period ended January 2, 2010 declined 1% to $255 million from $257 million in the prior year period.
The company anticipates its fourth-quarter sales to be well within its comparable store outlook range of down 4% - 7%. Also, the company expects earnings per share to be at or near the high end of its guidance range of $0.56 - $0.66 for the fourth quarter and $0.59 - $0.69 for the year.
Looking ahead, the company intends to close 1 store in January. With this closure, Stage Stores' store count at fiscal year end will be 758 versus 739 at the end of last year.
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