Michaels solid in first quarter

While many retailers were still reeling from a prolonged winter that hurt their first quarter results, Michaels saw solid results in its first quarter, posting increases in both net and comparable-store sales.



Net sales increased 5.9% to $1.05 billion from $993 million during last year’s first quarter. Comparable store sales increased 3.8% driven by a 2.4% increase in the company's average ticket, a 1.3% increase in transactions and a 10 basis point positive impact from deferred custom framing revenue. The Canadian foreign exchange rate negatively impacted comparable-store sales by 80 basis points.



Gross profit for the quarter increased 4.9% to $429 million from $409 million during last year’s first quarter. Gross profit as a percent of net sales decreased approximately 40 basis points to 40.8%. This decrease was driven by increased freight and distribution costs, higher remodel costs and lower merchandise margin.



Net income for the quarter increased 21.7% to $56 million and increased approximately 70 basis points as a percent of net sales to 5.3%.



During the quarter, the company opened eight and relocated five Michaels stores and closed three Aaron Brothers stores. The company operated 27 net new Michaels and Aaron Brothers stores in the past 12 months. The company now operates a total of 1,262 stores including 1,144 Michaels stores and 118 Aaron Brothers stores.