The Buckle, Inc. Press Release Narrative for 11/06/2014
Our November 6, 2014, press release reported that comparable store sales, for stores open at least one full year, for the four-week period ended November 1, 2014, were down 4.4 percent in comparison to the prior year four-week period ended November 2, 2013. Total net sales for the four-week fiscal month were down 1.3 percent to $85.4 million compared to net sales of $86.6 million in the prior year four-week fiscal month, which ended on November 2, 2013.
On the men's side of the business, total sales for the four-week fiscal period ending November 1, 2014, were up approximately 3.0 percent in comparison to the prior year four-week fiscal period ending November 2, 2013. The men's business represented approximately 41.5 percent of total sales for the month versus approximately 40.0 percent in the prior year fiscal October. Strong categories on the men's side included denim and casual bottoms, woven shirts, and accessories. For the fiscal month, overall price points on the men's side of the business were up just slightly.
On the women's side of the business, total sales for the four-week fiscal period ending November 1, 2014, were down approximately 4.5 percent in comparison to the prior year four-week fiscal period ending November 2, 2013. The women's business represented approximately 58.5 percent of total sales for the month versus approximately 60.0 percent in the prior year fiscal October. Strong categories on the women's side included casual bottoms, woven and knit tops, and outerwear. For the fiscal month, overall price points on the women's side of the business were up approximately 1.0 percent.
Within the men's and women's categories combined, accessory sales for the fiscal month were up approximately 4.0 percent in comparison to the prior year fiscal October, while footwear sales were down approximately 3.5 percent. These two categories accounted for approximately 8.0 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively, of the current fiscal October's Net Sales. This compares with approximately 7.5 percent and 6.5 percent for each of these categories for the same period in the prior year. Average accessory price points were up approximately 3.5 percent and average footwear price points were up approximately 8.5 percent for the fiscal month.
UPT's were up approximately 2.5 percent and the average transaction value was up approximately 3.5 percent for the four-week fiscal month ended November 1, 2014, compared to the prior year four-week fiscal month ended November 2, 2013.
With the opening of three new stores during fiscal October, Buckle currently operates 461 retail stores in 44 states compared to 452 stores in 43 states as of November 6, 2013.
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. is a retailer of casual apparel, footwear, and accessories. The Company operates approximately 440 retail stores in 42 states. The Company markets a wide selection of casual apparel including denim, other casual bottoms, tops, sportswear, outerwear, accessories, and footwear. It also provides customer services, such as free hemming, free gift-packaging, easy layaways, the Buckle private label credit card, and a guest loyalty program. The Company offers denims from brands such as Miss Me, Rock Revival, KanCan, Hidden, Flying Monkey, Levi's, Preme, Smoke Rise, Ariat, Good American, and Wrangler. Other key brands include Hurley, Billabong, Affliction, American Fighter, Sullen, Howitzer, Oakley, Fox, RVCA, 7 Diamonds, Nixon, Free People, Z Supply, Salt Life, White Crow, Brew City, Reef, Stance, Versace Cologne, American Highway, Eight X, Pendelton, Hooey, Goorin Bros., Old Row, Timberland, Teva, Kimes Ranch, SOREL, Hey Dude, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita, and SAXX.
THE BUCKLE, INC. 
