"We continue to be pleased with our new and remodeled stores," said Edison, reporting that a majority of units now bear the latest format. Direct sales via the Internet and quarterly catalog mailings were another positive in FY 2006, says Edison. Revenue from those sources rose $1.3 million for the quarter and was up $4.4 million for the year.The first two months of FY 2007 have been unsettled, according to Edison, as sales have been strong in good weather and sluggish when inclement. February was weak but conditions improved in March, he said, albeit not for long. "March results were aided by the presence of Easter sales," he says, "but were hurt by extremely cold weather during Easter week." Overall, comparable-store sales are down by 5% for the first two months of FY 2007.

Unfortunately for Bakers, that drop comes after same-store sales fell by 13.6% in the fourth quarter versus FY 2005's final frame, and after a 7.1% dip for the year. Revenues for FY 2006 were $204.8 million compared to $194.8 million the previous year. <P.While FY 2005 was an especially solid period for Bakers and therefore difficult to live up to in FY 2006, President Michele Bergerac acceded that the company was not expecting the torpid final quarter. "We've learned a great deal from our challenges of FY 2006 and expect to apply those lesson this year," she said.

Goals for 2007 will be to open another 10 to 12 stores, a figure that will slightly advance the dream for 600 Bakers and Wild Pair locations. Increased cash flow from the current stores will fuel future growth, and Edison says the expansion will pick up once those revenues are available.

In the meantime, Bakers remains the industry leader for the fashion-footwear segment and will seek to retain that position, vowed Edison. "Despite mixed results so far this season, we are seeing strength in each of our categories, which is a testament to our new initiatives and the abilities of our designers and merchandising teams," he said. "We're encouraged."

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