Birks Group Q1 loss grows

Montreal - Birks Group Inc., which operates 47 luxury jewelry stores in Canada, Florida and Georgia, reported a growing net loss in first quarter 2015 despite improvements in net and same-store sales. Net loss totaled $8.63 million, up from $5.8 million the same period a year earlier.



Although net sales rose 7% to $301.64 million from $281.16 million, increases in cost of sales, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, restructuring, debt extinguishment and asset impairment helped expand net loss. Same-store sales increased 16%.



“The company has realized several key achievements during fiscal 2015,” said Jean-Christophe Bedos, president and CEO. “Same-store sales increase of 16%, successful implementation of a significant portion of our operational restructuring plan that will help drive efficiencies within our organization, and the successful renegotiation of our credit facilities with strong financial partners. As a result, we believe we are poised for significant improvements in bottom line results for 2016 and beyond.”