Gloomy April For Pacific Sunwear

Specialty retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc on Thursday posted a 6.7 per cent drop in April same-store sales from the year-ago period but said total sales climbed 9.1 per cent to $47.9 million.

The Anaheim-based company said first quarter same-store sales increased 0.6 per cent, while total sales jumped 17 per cent to $161.7m from $137.7m in 2001.

"After a promising start to spring with March's results, our business experienced a significant downturn in April," said CEO Greg Weaver. "We believe that our merchandise offering is fashion right, and are hopeful that May and June will show improved sales trends."