Zumiez Q4 turns out better than expected

Zumiez said this afternoon that Q4 sales turned out better than expected and the retailer raised its earnings guidance as a result.

Zumiez said January same store sales rose 2.6%. Strong categories included men’s, junior’s and hardgoods, while weak categories were footwear, accessories and boys.

Comps per week were:

1. +18%

2. +2.2%

3. +3.7%

4. +4.7%

5. -17.1%

For all of Q4, same store sales declined 1%. That is better than 3% to 4% decline Zumiez had been expecting.

As a result, Zumiez now expects Q4 earnings per share between 65 cents to 66 cents. Previously, it had expected earnings per share of 59 cents to 62 cents.

For the year, Zumiez same store sales increased 5%.

The company ended its fiscal year with 500 stores.