Francesca’s ups Q4 guidance on holiday performance

Houston – Francesca’s Holding Corporation expects sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to be between $93 million and $95 million, including a mid-to-low-single-digit decrease in same-store sales. This compares to previous guidance provided on Dec. 5, 2013 of sales between $90 million and $95 million, including a decrease of 8% to 3% in same-store sales.



Neil P. Davis, CEO of Francesca’s cited strong holiday performance for the increase in guidance.



"After a lackluster start to the holiday selling season beginning the week of Thanksgiving, we ended the season stronger,” said Davis. “Our customers responded well to our offerings, particularly apparel, accessories, and gifts. In addition, we remained diligent during the quarter aligning our inventory levels to our year-end objectives. As a result, we expect inventory, on an average boutique basis, to be flat to the comparable prior year period. Overall, we believe that our differentiated business model, combined with our retail growth strategy and execution of our operational initiatives, will continue to drive improvements in long-term shareholder value."