In a repeat of their first-quarter performances, multichannel merchant J. Jill yesterday reported declining sales in the second quarter while Cabela's sales continued to gain.
Quincy, MA-based J. Jill Group, which markets women's apparel, accessories and footwear, said net sales for the second quarter ended June 25 totaled $117.4 million, a 2.6 percent decline compared to last year. Same-store sales were flat.
“A particular challenge for J. Jill at the moment is our direct business, which is being impacted by cannibalization from our retail stores as well as a delayed understanding and acceptance of the merchandising changes we have undertaken,” J. Jill president/CEO Gordon R. Cooke said in a statement. “We are currently implementing a number of initiatives to improve this business, including increasing the amount of catalog-only product offerings and the density of offerings per catalog page.”
The company generated net income for the quarter that totaled $3.9 million versus $6.5 million during the same period last year. In the retail segment, net sales per weighted average square foot decreased by 2.1 percent while in the direct segment net sales per 1,000 square inches circulated decreased 6 percent.
For the six months ended June 25, J. Jill posted total net sales of $215.8 million compared to $220.5 million last year.
Sidney, NE-based Cabela's, which markets hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, said revenue for its fiscal second quarter ended July 2 totaled $343.9 million, a 23.2 percent gain compared to last year. Same-store sales decreased 6 percent. Also, direct revenue increased 10.5 percent for a total of $183.2 million.
The company also said its second quarter net income totaled $6 million compared to $2 million in the same period last year.
Chantal Todé covers catalog and retail news and BTB marketing for DM News and DM News.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters
