A&F sales down 18%

Abercrombie & Fitch this week reported net sales of $539.2 million for the five-week period ended January 3, 2009, an 18% decrease from net sales of $657.0 million for the five-week period ended January 5, 2008.

The collegiate fashion company said December comparable store sales decreased 24% and total Company direct-to-consumer net sales decreased 11% to $45.6 million for the five-week period ended January 3, 2009, compared to the five-week period ended January 5, 2008.

Year-to-date, the Company reported a net sales decrease of 5% to $3.349 billion from $3.530 billion last year. Comparable store sales decreased 13% for the year-to-date period. Year-to-date, the Company reported that direct- to-consumer net sales increased 4% to $245.0 million.

The Company will report January sales results on Thursday, February 5, 2009 and fourth quarter earnings on Friday, February 13, 2009.

The Company operates one Abercrombie & Fitch store and two Hollister Co. stores in London.