Gander Mountain sales up, earnings down

ST. PAUL, Minn. Gander Mountain Co. today reported that sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 4 increased 18.6% to $216.5 million and comparable-store sales increased 4.2% versus the second quarter of the prior year. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of positive comparable-store sales gains. For the quarter, the company reported a net loss of $9.7 million, or 48 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $7.6 million, or 53 cents per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2006.

For the 26 weeks ended Aug. 4, the company reported sales of $392.3 million, an increase of 16% over the same period in 2006. Comparable-store sales gained 2.7%. The company reported a net loss for the 26-week period of $32.5 million, or $1.61 per share, compared with a net loss of $30.5 million, or $2.14 per share for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2006.

"In the second quarter, we saw regional strength in our Eastern and Southern stores. Same-store sales were boosted by strong performance in hunting and PowerSports, including our new offering of Tracker Marine Group boats at selected stores," said Mark Baker, president and ceo. "As we enter the second half of the fiscal year, Gander Mountain is well prepared to build on our sales momentum in the upcoming hunting and holiday seasons."