Same-store sales rose in the low single digits in its 1,691 North American Claire's units and fell by the same amount in 859 European locations, which target women ages seven to 14. At the 442 Icing by Claire's, a concept that goes after a slightly older consumer, same-store sales also fell in the low single digits.
Net sales during the quarter rose 14%, to $472.3 million, while net income shot up 25%, to $86.5 million. For the fiscal year, net sales grew 8%, to just under $1.5 billion, and net income increased 10%, to $188.8 million.
Claire's opened 135 new stores during its fiscal year. The European division gathered the most new store openings during the period, with 87.
Private-equity firm Apollo Management, of New York City, is acquiring Claire's. The deal follows an announcement late last year late last year by Claire's management that it was looking to sell the 3,300-store company.
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