Sales rise for Urban Outiftters in Q2

In-store sales were down in Q2 but overall sales still rose for Urban Outfitters. In a report released yesterday to the Global Newswire (via CNN Money) it was revealed that Anthropologie saw an in-store sales dip of 4%. But Urban Outfitters as a whole saw its direct-to-consumer sales rise by an astonishing 17%.

This was most likely due to heavy discounting at Urban Outfitters, which ran promotions including items for $5 and Anthropologie’s free shipping for anthro card holders promotion that runs until September 7.

From the article:
For the second quarter of fiscal 2010, total Company net sales increased by 1% over the same quarter last year to $459 million. Comparable retail segment net sales, which include our direct-to-consumer channels, decreased 3%. Comparable store net sales decreased 6% with declines at Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters of 4%, 16%, and 8%, respectively. Direct-to-consumer net sales rose 17% and wholesale segment net sales declined 7%.

“We were pleased that our total company comparable sales improved from the first quarter,” said Glen T. Senk, Chief Executive Officer. “While we anticipate challenging marketplace conditions to persist for the second half of the year, we believe we are well positioned to continue to improve our performance,” finished Mr. Senk.

So Anthropologie held its ground best of the four Urban Outfitters brands. Interesting that website/catalogue sales were up so much. Just goes to show the importance of having a good e-commerce site.