Book Sales Post Another Big Weekly Gain (publishersweekly.com)

Chico's FAS, Inc. reported holiday sales and updated its outlook for fiscal 2021 fourth quarter sales and earnings. Molly Langenstein, Chico's FAS Chief Executive Officer and President, and Patrick ("PJ") Guido, Chico's FAS Chief Financial Officer, will discuss progress on the Company's strategic plan and these results at the ICR Conference today at 3:30 PM ET. For the nine-week holiday period ending January 1, 2022, total net sales grew approximately 30% compared to the same period last year. Comparable sales for the nine-week holiday period grew approximately 31.5% over fiscal 2020. The Company has updated its fourth quarter outlook and expects fourth quarter net sales at the low end of the $495 million to $510 million range previously provided on November 30, 2021 and expects diluted earnings per share at the high end of the previously provided $0.00 to $0.05 range.

A summary of results for the third quarter ended October 31, 2020 as compared to the third quarter ended November 2, 2019: -Net sales of $820 million, down 5% as compared to last year, reflecting the adverse impact of COVID-19 on store sales. -Digital net sales increased 43% to $382 million reflecting robust growth in every month of the quarter. -Gross profit rate improved 390 basis points to 64.0% on higher average unit retail and lower average unit cost, benefiting from inventory shrink favorability of approximately 100 basis points and changes in foreign currency exchange rates of approximately 90 basis points. -Operating income improved to $59 million and $65 million on a reported and adjusted non-GAAP basis, respectively, as compared to $14 million and $25 million last year, on a reported and adjusted non-GAAP basis, respectively. -Generated positive operating cash flows of $63 million during the third quarter ended October 31, 2020, ending the quarter with $813 million of cash and equivalents and liquidity of approximately $1.2 billion.

Staples, Inc. is offering great solutions to save time and money this holiday season, and giving customers more time to enjoy. While Staples stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Staples.com will offer can't-miss deals so customers can fill their carts without leaving their homes. On Black Friday, exclusive in-store deals will begin at 7 a.m. in the majority of locations and where states allow. Visit Staples.com for the most up-to-date location and hours information. Click Read More below for additional information.