The firm opened 16 new stores in 11 states in the fourth quarter of 2006, and is now in 43 states. There was no information provided from the studies on just where the future growth should occur. One of the reports was conducted by the firm's real estate department, and the other was by an external market research firm, Hensley explains.

Wednesday's conference call also served as a coming-out party for new president R. Neal Black, who was promoted this week from his previous post of chief merchandising officer, a move Wildrick called "a first step in our goal of becoming a billion dollar company."

The appointment was touted by company officials as validation of the management group which took control of JoS A. Bank in 1999, a year in which net income was just $1.4 million. Since then, sales have increased by 180% and 270 new stores have opened, while the market capitalization has reached $596 million.

Black provided a review of merchandising activity in 2006, one in which "sportswear and dress shirts led the way," he said. Other hot sellers included twill khaki pants and cotton products. The suit business was slow to begin the year but rebounded solidly in the second half, Black says, adding that the firm hopes to have that division deliver more consistently in 2007.

As for recent performance, same store sales were up 1.4% and overall sales rose 10.1%. in March. A harsh February led to brisk sales of outerwear and cold-weather accessories, says Black, whereas March suit sales were stunted because an early Easter forced cancellation of one suit promotional event. That promotion is being held this month instead, Black said, anticipating a corresponding rebound in suit sales.

Much of the company's future is riding on the success of internally created products such as a new line of designer pants and several products to be introduced aimed at keeping the body cool through what Black termed " performance fabric technology." Nonetheless, Wildrick stresses that the 102-year-old company will not abandon its core product, the suit, vowing that, "we will continue to fight for a bigger share of the suit business."

The firm is also exploring new manufacturing alternatives. China remains the top "country of origin" for product, Black says, but Bangladesh and India "are growing in importance," as is Mexico, the latter a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement, he says.