GAP INC. REPORTS SEPTEMBER SALES UP 4 PERCENT; COMPARABLE STORE SALES DOWN 3 PERCENT
SAN FRANCISCO – October 5, 2006 – Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS)
today reported net sales of $1.46 billion for the five-week period ended
September 30, 2006, which represents a 4 percent increase compared with net
sales of $1.41 billion for the same period ended October 1, 2005. The
company’s comparable store sales for September 2006 decreased 3 percent
compared with a 6 percent decrease in September 2005.
Comparable store sales by division for September 2006 were as follows:
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Gap North America: negative 5 percent versus negative 3 percent last year
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Banana Republic North America: positive 3 percent versus negative 7 percent
last year
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Old Navy North America: negative 3 percent versus negative 7 percent last year
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International: negative 6 percent versus negative 13 percent last year.
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“We’re encouraged with our progress at all three core brands,” said Sabrina
Simmons, senior vice president, treasury and investor relations at Gap Inc.
“Not only are comparable store sales results improved versus last month, but
our overall merchandise margins are above last year as well. Gap and Old Navy
marketing strategies helped to support improved store traffic in September,
most notably with the Audrey Hepburn skinny black pant campaign. As we
expected, we’re seeing continued improvements in Banana Republic where
customers responded well to fall product.”
“We’re excited to introduce the Gap PRODUCT RED collection in stores in
mid-October,” said Simmons. “This initiative, founded by Bobby Shriver and
Bono, will raise awareness and money for the Global Fund to help women and
children affected by AIDS in Africa. The launch will be supported by a
comprehensive marketing campaign.”
Year-to-date net sales of $9.77 billion for the 35 weeks ended September 30,
2006, decreased 2 percent compared with net sales of $9.92 billion for the
same period ended October 1, 2005. The company’s year-to-date comparable store
sales decreased 7 percent compared with a 5 percent decrease in the prior year.
As of September 30, 2006, Gap Inc. operated 3,117 store locations compared
with 3,082 store locations last year.
October Sales
The company will report October sales on November
2, 2006.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and related
recording contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions
of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other
than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words
such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” and
similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements include statements regarding inventory per square foot at the end
of the third quarter of fiscal 2006.
Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties,
there are important factors that could cause the company’s actual results to
differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors
include, without limitation, the following: the risk that the company will be
unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences; the
highly competitive nature of the company’s business in the U.S. and
internationally and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which are
influenced by numerous other factors; the risk that the company will be
unsuccessful in identifying and negotiating new store locations effectively;
the risk that comparable store sales and margins will experience fluctuations;
the risk that the company will be unsuccessful in implementing its strategic,
operating and people initiatives; the risk that adverse changes in the
company’s credit ratings may have a negative impact on its financing costs and
structure in future periods; the risk that trade matters, events causing
disruptions in product shipments from China and other foreign countries, or IT
systems changes may disrupt the company’s supply chain or operations; and the
risk that the company will not be successful in defending various proceedings,
lawsuits, disputes, claims, and audits; any of which could impact net sales,
costs and expenses, and/or planned strategies. Additional information
regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the
company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28,
2006. Readers should also consult the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the fiscal quarter ended July 29, 2006.
These forward-looking statements are based on information as of October 5,
2006, and the company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its
forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear
that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.
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