Dillard’s profit falls 94%
-- Home Textiles Today, 5/23/2008 9:42:00 AM
Little Rock, Ark. – Dillard’s late yesterday reported that its first quarter net earnings dropped 94% to $2.7 million, or 4 cents per share.
“The weak economic conditions, particularly in Florida, made it extremely difficult to achieve profitable sales levels, said ceo William Dillard II in a statement. “We will continue to run our business conservatively to navigate the near-term economic uncertainty.”
For the quarter ended May 3, sales dropped 4.9%, with comp stores declining 6.0%.
Dillard’s cut SG&A (selling, general and administrative expenses) by $17.8 million during the quarter and announced six store closures: Lexington, Ky.; Richmond, Va.; Greeley, Co.; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Pocatello, Idaho; and Franklin, Ohio. The company also closed its distribution center in Louisville, Ken., resulting in a $600,000 charge after taxes, or 1 cent per share.
The retailer also opened six stores during the quarters: Ocala and Panama City, Fla.; Lake Havasu, Ariz.; Macon, Ga.; Cedar Hill, Texas; and Biloxi, Miss.
