DALLAS, Oct. 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tuesday Morning Corporation (Nasdaq:TUES) today reported net sales for the first quarter ended September 30, 2009 were $165.9 million compared to $173.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2008, a decrease of 4.3%. Comparable store sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 decreased by 5.8%, comprised of a 1.7% decrease in traffic and a 4.1% decrease in average ticket.

Based on the first quarter sales results, the Company currently expects the loss per share for the first quarter ended September 30, 2009 to be in the range of $0.11 to $0.13. The loss per share was $0.10 for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

"Credit and housing woes continued to impact the discretionary spending behavior of our customers," said Kathleen Mason, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The quarter started slowly during the 'cash for clunkers' program, but picked up in September. Our trend in comparable store sales and customer traffic continued to improve. We successfully managed inventory and kept expenses in line with revenues. Our balance sheet improved with low usage and high availability on our line of credit."

The Company expects to release first quarter financial results on October 27, 2009.

About Tuesday Morning

Tuesday Morning is a leading closeout retailer of upscale, decorative home accessories, housewares and famous-maker gifts in the United States. The Company opened its first store in 1974 and currently operates 850 stores in 43 states. Tuesday Morning is nationally known for bringing its more than 9.0 million loyal customers a unique treasure hunt of high-end, first quality, brand name merchandise...never seconds or irregulars...at prices well below those of department and specialty stores and catalogues.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by the use of terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should carefully consider statements that contain these words because they describe our expectations, plans, strategies and goals and our beliefs concerning future business conditions, our future results of operations, our future financial positions, and our business outlook or state other "forward-looking" information.

Reference is hereby made to "Item 1A.