USA : Denim, knitwear & accessories power Buckle's 4-week fiscal month

Our August 9, 2007, press release reported that Net Sales for the four–week fiscal month ended August 4, 2007, increased 30.3 percent to $44.3 million from sales of $34.0 million in the prior year four–week fiscal month ended July 29, 2006. Comparable store sales, for stores open at least one full year, for the four–week period ended August 4, 2007, increased 7.6 percent in comparison to the prior year four–week period ended August 5, 2006.
At this time I would like to briefly highlight some of the results from our various merchandise categories that led to fiscal July's 30.3 percent Net Sales increase.
On the men's side of the business, total sales for the four–week fiscal period ending August 4, 2007, were up approximately 26.5 percent from the prior year four–week fiscal period ending July 29, 2006. The men's business represented approximately 43.5 percent of the total sales for the month versus approximately 44.5 percent in the prior fiscal July. Strong categories on the men's side included denim, woven and knit shirts, and accessories. For the fiscal month, overall price points on the men's side of the business were up approximately 6.0 percent in comparison to the same period in the prior year.
On the women's side of the business, total sales for the four–week fiscal period ending August 4, 2007, were up approximately 33.0 percent from the prior year four–week fiscal period ending July 29, 2006. The women's business represented approximately 56.5 percent of the total sales for the month versus approximately 55.5 percent in the prior fiscal July. Strong categories on the women's side included denim, woven and knit tops, shorts, swim, and footwear. For the fiscal month, overall price points on the women's side of the business were up approximately 9.5 percent.

Within the men's and women's categories combined, accessory sales for the fiscal month increased approximately 6.0 percent compared to the prior year fiscal July, while footwear sales increased approximately 2.0 percent. These two categories accounted for approximately 7.5 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively, of the current fiscal July's Net Sales. This compares with approximately 9.5 percent and 7.5 percent for each of these categories for the same period in the prior fiscal year. Average accessory price points were down approximately 3.0 percent and average footwear price points were down approximately 1.5 percent for the fiscal month.
UPT's were down slightly and average dollars per transaction were up mid single digits for the four–week period ended August 4, 2007, compared to the four–week period ended August 5, 2006. As of the end of the fiscal month, inventory on a company total basis was up approximately 5.0 percent, and inventory on a comparable store basis was up slightly. Total markdown inventory at the end of the period was down compared to the prior year; driven by decreases in the 50 percent off and 75 percent off categories.
Buckle currently operates 363 retail stores in 38 states compared to 346 stores in 38 states as of August 9, 2006.
It is our Company policy not to provide any guidance on current sales or to project results for the next quarter. Additionally, any forward looking statements made during this commentary involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors which may be beyond the Company's control. Accordingly, the Company's future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward–looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE: BKE) is a leading retailer of medium to better–priced casual apparel, footwear and accessories for fashion–conscious young men and women. The Company currently operates over 350 stores in 38 states, under the names Buckle and The Buckle.
Buckle markets a wide selection of brand names and private label casual apparel, including denims, other casual bottoms, tops, sportswear, outerwear, accessories and footwear. The Company emphasizes personalized attention to its guests (customers) and provides individual customer services such as free alterations, free gift–wrapping, layaways and a frequent shopper program.