The year-over-year decline in results was primarily due to the continued economic downturn plaguing the industry that has resulted in reduced consumer discretionary income and a cut in non-essential spending.
abercrombie and fitch Co. (ANF), a leading international specialty retailer, reported disappointing second quarter results with a net loss of $26.7 million or -30 cents per share compared to a net income of $77.8 million or 87 cents per share in the year-earlier quarter.Overall net sales of the company during the quarter decreased 23% to $648.5 million from $845.8 million in the year-ago quarter. Total company direct-to-consumer net sales decreased 13% year-over-year to $48.7 million, while overall comparable store sales decreased 30%.
Gross profit rate during the quarter decreased 360 basis points year-over-year due to a higher markdown rate. abercrombie outlet was able to reduce its stores and distribution expense (as a percentage of sales) through savings in store payroll, and reduction in direct-to-consumer and other variable expenses. The marketing, general and administrative expenses also decreased during the quarter from $109.0 million to $88.7 million due to savings related to employee compensation and benefits, and cut in travel and outside services.
However, the rate of sales decline of the company was much higher than the reduction in expenses. Furthermore, Abercrombie witnessed an increase in rents, depreciation and lease termination costs related to the exit of RUEHL branded stores.
During the quarter, the management approved the closure of 29 RUEHL branded stores and associated direct-to-consumer operations. hollister clothing incurred $23.6 million of pre-tax charges during the quarter to exit RUEHL, along with an impairment charge of $0.8 million. The company expects to complete the closure by the end of fiscal 2009.