Cataloger J. Crew Group Inc. reported a 5.9% increase for the five week period that ended on Jan. 5.
Sales totaled $132 million, compared with $124.6 million during the same period last year.
Net direct marketing sales increased by 11.9% to $42.7 million. Catalog sales remained flat at $21.7 million, but Internet sales jumped from $21 million to $21.7 million.
However, overall direct sales declined to $125.3 million for the 48 weeks that ended on Jan. 5. Sales totaled $244.9 million during the same period last year.
Retail sales fell by 10% to $70.7 million during the month, but increased to $191.8 million for the full 48 weeks, compared with $379.9 million last year.
Shipping and handling fees rose from $124.6 million to $132 million during the month, and from $742.1 million to $732.6 million for the year.
CEO Ken Pilot said in a statement that “December sales results and increased conversion rates were primarily driven by improved customer service and higher markdowns versus a year ago.”
