Zumiez beats expectations again

It appears that Zumiez can do no wrong.

The action sports retailer posted a 10.8% gain in same store sales in January, blowing past the 4.3% average increase expected by stock analysts.

The company reported January sales this afternoon.

For the fourth quarter, Zumiez comps increased 9.7%. For 2011, the company said comps rose 8.7%.

In January, the comps by week were:

1. up 9.5%

2. up 9.6%

3. up 13.2%

4. up 11.2%

The average dollars per transaction increased while the average number of transactions decreased.

All categories except boys posted an increase.

Zumiez currently operates 444 stores.