Charming Shoppes posts better-than-expected 3Q loss

BENSALEM, Pa. Charming Shoppes reported a loss form continuing operations of $23.7 million of 21 cents per diluted share on a non-GAAP basis. The company had projected a diluted loss per share in the range of 35 cents to 37 cents.

Net sales from continuing operations for the thirteen weeks ended Nov. 1 decreased 8% to $553.1 million, compared to net sales from continuing operations of $599.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended Nov. 3, 2007.

Net sales for the company's retail stores segment were $528.5 million during the quarter, a decrease of 10% compared to $588.1 million during the same period last year. Consolidated comparable-store sales for the company's retail stores segment decreased 9% during the quarter. The decrease in consolidated comparable-store sales compares favorably to the company's previous projection for sales declines in the low double digits.