The value home goods retailer reported that its third-quarter net sales increased 25.5% to $267.2 million, driven by the net addition of 29 stores. Same-store sales rose 5.2%. It was the chain’s 19th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth and 18th consecutive quarter of over 20% net sales growth.
On the chain’s earnings call, chairman and CEO Lee Bird said that, with a longer term potential of at least 600 locations, “new stores are the growth engine for this business.” The retailer currently operates 178 stores.
“Our robust and improving new store productivity reflects our growing awareness and appeal as well as the great execution by our entire team,” Bird said.
Nearly all of the company’s new locations for the upcoming year (fiscal 2020 for At Home) have been approved, Bird added, with 10 stores already under construction. Next year’s pipeline includes the chain’s entry into the West Coast, with stores in California and Washington.
“We expect next year’s mix to be similar to fiscal 2019 with approximately 80% second generation sites and 20% new store builds,” he said. “The second generation real estate environment has plenty of attractive opportunities.”
Net income increased to $11.1 million from $2.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2018. Earnings per share increased to $0.17 from $0.04; adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.18
