Big Dog Holdings sees 61 percent jump in consolidated net sales

Big Dog Holdings Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif., which consists of Big Dogs and The Walking Co., reported that its consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 were $55.7 million, a 61 percent increase compared to the $34.7 million in the same period the previous year. Comparable retail store sales rose 6.3 percent. CEO Andrew Feshbach said in a statement, "We are pleased with the results of The Walking Company for the fourth quarter and for the entire year. We believe the positive sales results are attributable to a combination of factors but most notably the comparison against the financially distressed condition of the company (operating under chapter 11) in the fall and holiday period of 2003. Other factors leading to improved results include better inventory on hand at the store level, new marketing initiatives and better execution of our business in our stores and at the distribution center. In regard to our Big Dogs business, we continue to see the same trends we have experienced for several years. These include reduced traffic at outlet malls and further retail price deflation in apparel particularly with basic (non-graphic) merchandise."