Gottschalks posts 13.4% drop in Oct. comps, sales

FRESNO, Calif. Gottschalks posted a 13.4% decrease in same-store sales for the month of October. Total sales for the four-week period decreased 13.4% to $36.1 million, compared to $41.7 million in the same period of fiscal 2007.

For the 13-week third quarter, same-store sales decreased 12.1% and total sales decreased 13.3% to $119.1 million, compared to $137.4 million in 2007.

"We continue to experience soft sales results as the economic environment remains challenging for the consumer," stated chairman and ceo Jim Famalette. "Our best performing categories for the month were cosmetics and special-size apparel, while most home product categories were the weakest. We remain focused on effectively managing our promotional activity, expenses and inventory."