"The good news is, … there appears to be significant room for growth after 500 stores," says Wildrick, whose Nasdaq-listed company (JOSB) opened seven new locations in the first quarter after 52 were christened in FY 2006. Currently operating 382 stores, the clothier would be well into the 400 range should this year's quota of 50 new units be met.

To facilitate that, $34 million has been reserved for capital expenditures related to openings and renovations in FY 2007, reports CFO David Ullman. Landlords will contribute another $12 million to $14 million, he adds.

JoS A. Bank posted a record $546.4 million in net sales last year, a 17.6% gain over FY 2005. A substantial portion of that hike came from the new locations, Ullman acknowledges, whereas comparable store sales rose at a more modest pace of 4.3%. Direct marketing revenue jumped by 23.5%. Retail inventory reached $183.5 million, a 4% increase over the previous year. The net cash position improved by $40 million in FY 2006 compared to FY 2005, and Ullman said that the company ended the year lugging virtually no debt after pre-paying $5 million ahead of time.