EVANSVILLE, Ind.-- Shoe Carnival, Inc. (Nasdaq: SCVL) a leading retailer of value-priced footwear and accessories, today announced sales and earnings for the third quarter ended October 31, 2009.

Net sales for the third quarter of 2009 increased 12.6 percent to $191.5 million compared to net sales of $170.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. Comparable store sales increased 10.2 percent.

Net earnings for the thirteen-week third quarter increased 188 percent to $7.5 million compared to $2.6 million in the thirteen-week third quarter ended November 1, 2008. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter increased to $0.59 from $0.21 in the prior year third quarter.

The gross profit margin for the third quarter increased to 29.8 percent compared to 27.2 percent in the third quarter of the prior year. The merchandise margin increased 1.1 percent primarily as a result of improved inventory management resulting in less clearance product along with strong sales of boots which carry a higher margin. As a percentage of sales, buying, distribution and occupancy costs decreased 1.5 percent through a combination of higher sales and lower occupancy and distribution expenses for the quarter.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter increased $2.5 million to $44.9 million. As a percentage of sales, these expenses decreased 1.5 percent.

Speaking on the results, Mark Lemond, chief executive officer and president said, "Our large selection of value priced name brand footwear resonated well with consumers resulting in the highest third quarter comparable store sales gain in the Company’s history. We experienced higher than expected sales of athletic product during the back-to-school season and very strong boot sales later in the quarter. Our 10.2 percent comparable store sales gain was significantly above our expectations for a low to mid single digit comparable store sales increase for the quarter. The sales increase, combined with a higher gross profit margin and controlled expenses, resulted in our second best quarterly earnings in the Company’s history."

Mr. Lemond continued, "We are encouraged by our third quarter momentum and entered the fourth quarter with inventories well positioned to capitalize on key fashion trends. We expect the early strength in boots, particularly women’s fashion boots, to continue into the holiday season. In addition, we anticipate continued strength in the athletic category, in part, due to the favorable consumer response to wellness footwear. This type of footwear was not available in our stores last year. We remain optimistic that consumers will continue to respond well to our value proposition and currently expect our comparable store sales to increase in the range of three to five percent in the fourth quarter."

Net income for the first nine months of 2009 was $12.6 million compared to net income of $8.4 million in the first nine months of last year. Diluted earnings per share increase 49 percent to $1.00 as compared to $0.67 in the first nine months of last year. Net sales for the first nine months were $511.6 million compared to net sales of $490.7 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales increased 1.4 percent. The gross profit margin for the first nine months of 2009 was 28.3 percent compared to 27.6 percent last year. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.6 million to $124.0 million. As a percentage of sales, these expenses decreased 0.6 percent to 24.3 percent for the first nine months of 2009.

Store Growth

Evansville-based Shoe Carnival Inc. (Nasdaq: SCVL) is reporting a 188 percent increase in net earnings for the third quarter. The shoe retailer says earnings for the period were $7.5 million, compared to $2.6 million a year earlier. Chief Executive Officer Mark Lemond says the company experienced higher than expected athletic product sales during the back to school season.

The Company has completed its store openings for the year with 16 new stores in the first nine months of fiscal 2009. Three stores have been closed so far this year with six additional stores expected to close in the fourth quarter. Store openings and closings by quarter and for the fiscal year are as follows:

New Stores Stores Closings
1st Quarter 2009 10 1
2nd Quarter 2009 2 1
3rd Quarter 2009 4 1
4th Quarter 2009 0 6
Fiscal 2009 16 9

The Company opened four stores during the third quarter including locations in:

City
Market/Total Stores in Market

Des Moines, IA Des Moines/3

West Melbourne, FL Orlando/8

Chandler, AZ Phoenix/2

Goodyear, AZ Phoenix/2

Shoe Carnival is a chain of 317 footwear stores located in the Midwest, South and Southeast. Combining value pricing with an entertaining store format, Shoe Carnival is a leading retailer of name brand and private label footwear for the entire family. Headquartered in Evansville, IN, Shoe Carnival trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the symbol SCVL. Shoe Carnival's press releases and annual report are available on the Company's website at www.shoecarnival.com.

Source: Shoe Carnival Inc. & Inside INdiana Business http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=38810