All of the new locations exceeded sales expectations, say officials at the leather retailer. The disclosures came out of the company's fourth-quarter earnings report, in which it said its earnings were up 18% to $61.1 million due to the success of its private label strategy and fewer clearance sales. Sales for the retailer were up 20.2% to $381.5 million for the quarter ended Feb. 3. The retailer says its current fiscal year should produce a similar 20% gain in both earnings and sales.

The company's fourth quarter was helped by the addition of 239 holiday stores -- temporary kiosks in malls and other locations. Overall, Wilsons has 573 retail stores in 44 states, Canada and England, including 468 mall stores, 74 outlet stores and 31 airport locations.

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