Francesca’s ups Q4 guidance based on holiday sales

Houston – Francesca’s Holding Corp. is still feeling the warmth of the holidays. The retailer is increasing its guidance for fourth quarter sales to between $103 million and $105 million, including a low-single-digit decrease in same-store sales.



This compares to previous guidance of sales between $96 million and $102 million, including a decrease of 5% to 10% in same-store sales. Adjusted fourth quarter earnings per diluted share for the quarter, excluding costs related to CEO transition of approximately $0.03, are expected to be in the range of $0.17 to $0.20, compared to the company's previous guidance of $0.13 to $0.19.



"Our customers responded favorably to our broad assortment of seasonal and holiday product offerings, particularly in our giftable categories,” said Mike Barnes, chairman, president and CEO. “For the remainder of the quarter, we plan to diligently move through excess inventory and clearance product, particularly in apparel. We believe this will enable us to enter fiscal year 2015 in a better position with cleaner inventory and an appropriate amount of newness in our boutiques.”