OfficeMax 2Q sales down 6.9%

NAPERVILLE, Ill. OfficeMax reported that total sales for its second quarter decreased 6.9% in the second quarter of 2008 to $1.98 billion compared to the second quarter of 2007. For the second quarter of 2008, OfficeMax reported a net loss of $894.2 million, or $11.79 per diluted share, compared to net income of $27.4 million, or 35 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2007.

OfficeMax retail segment sales decreased 6.7% to $872.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007, reflecting a same-store sales decrease of 10y % partly offset by sales from new stores. The company said the decline in same-store sales occurred across all major product categories due to weaker U.S. consumer and small business spending.