First Quarter Comparable Store Sales Decrease 20.7%
Narrows First Quarter Fiscal 2009 Guidance to Loss per Share of $0.12
to $0.13 from Previous Guidance Range of $0.12 to $0.16
Cache Inc., (NASDAQ: CACH), a specialty chain of women’s apparel stores
with 294 stores open, reported first quarter fiscal 2009 sales results.
For the thirteen-week period ended March 28, 2009, comparable store
sales (sales for stores open at least one year or more) decreased 20.7%,
as compared to an increase of 3.3% in the prior-year period ended March
29, 2008. Total net sales for the thirteen-week period decreased $14.5
million or 21.5% to $53.2 million, as compared to last year.
Thomas Reinckens, Chairman and CEO of Cache, Inc. commented: “As
anticipated, our first quarter sales performance reflected the tough
consumer spending environment, driven by the challenging economy and the
impact of pre-Easter sales occurring in April this year versus March
last year. While our sales results met the low end of our guidance
range, our inventory and expense management efforts were successful, and
we remain on track to achieve first quarter expectations of a net loss
per share of $0.12 to $0.13, as compared to our previous guidance of
$0.12 to $0.16. During the quarter, sales of day dresses and accessories
outpaced our total comparable store sales for the quarter. We also
continue to be encouraged by positive customer response to the expansion
of our casual offerings. Looking ahead, we expect our second quarter
sales to benefit from the shift in the Easter holiday. For the second
quarter, we expect to generate a modest profit, which assumes the
current macro environment remains unchanged and our sales continue to
trend similarly to the levels we experienced in the first quarter. We
remain focused on delivering positive cash flow in an expected difficult
year, while driving increased customer loyalty through our merchandising
and marketing initiatives.”
During the quarter, the Company opened two stores and closed four
locations, ending the period with 294 locations.
Updated First Quarter Fiscal 2009
Guidance
The Company currently expects net loss per share for the first quarter
of fiscal 2009 in the range of $0.12 to $0.13, compared to its previous
net loss per share range of $0.12 to $0.16. First quarter fiscal 2008
loss per share was $0.15, which includes costs of $1.5 million, or $0.11
per share related to stores closures and $0.03 per share in costs
related to a management change.
About Cache, Inc.
Cache is a nationwide, mall-based specialty retailer of sophisticated
sportswear and social occasion dresses targeting style-conscious women
who have a youthful attitude and are self-confident. We operate 294
stores, primarily situated in central locations in high traffic, upscale
malls in 43 states, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Certain matters discussed within this press release may constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities
laws. Although Cache, Inc. believes the statements are based on
reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that these
expectations will be attained. Actual results and timing of certain
events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated
by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including,
without limitation, ability to successfully open new stores,
introduction of the Cache Luxe concept, dependence on management,
dependence on vendors and distributors, reliance on foreign
manufacturers, material weakness in our internal controls, industry
trends, merchandise and fashion trends, competition, seasonality and
changes in general economic conditions and consumer spending patterns,
as well as other risks outlined from time to time in the filings of
Cache, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Cache Inc.
Maggie Feeney, 212-575-3206
Executive Vice
President and
Chief Financial Officer
or
Investor
Relations:
Integrated Corporate Relations
Allison Malkin/Jane
Thorn Leeson
203-682-8225/646-277-1223