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FRESNO, CA-The management of West Coast department-store chain Gottschalks is considering a sale of the company, among other strategic alternatives. In efforts to increase shareholder value, the retailer is also considering "a revised business plan, operating partnerships, joint ventures, strategic alliances, share repurchases and a recapitalization," according to a company statement.

The chain, with 61 stores in six West Coast states, has formed a strategic alliance of board members to consider the next action it will take. Management says it will not reveal progress on the transition until an agreement has been finalized.

In its most recently reported quarter, which ended on July 29, the company posted a year-to-date loss of $3.5 million. Same-store sales for the quarter were up 1.1% year over year. Since then, same-store sales dropped 0.1% in August and September and were up 1.4% in October.