Sales in J. Crew’s direct channel showed the largest gains during second quarter 2004, as overall revenue grew 13%, from $167 million a year ago to $188 million. The New York-based apparel firm trimmed its net loss from $28 million a year ago to $14 million. The quarter ended July 31.
Direct to consumer sales, which include both the Internet and catalog, were up 16%, to $44 million, with the growth coming in both channels. While retail sales rose 15%, to $139 millions, same-store sales were up only 12%.
The retailer offered a different story for its first-half results. While its consolidate revenue was $334 million, up from $329 million a year ago, these gains came from retail store sale increases. Direct sales were off 14%, dropping from $93 million to $80 million, due to reduced clearance sales and a decline in catalog circulation. The company trimmed its net loss from $48 million to $38 million during the same period.
