US footwear retailer Shoe Pavilion, Inc. has reported higher sales for the first quarter of 2006, ended April 1.

Net sales increased 17.2%, to $27.3 million from $23.3 million for the same period last year. Comparable store net sales decreased 1.1%.

Net income fell to $198,000 from $406,000 for the first quarter ended April 2, 2005.

Gross profit increased 15.7% to $9.3 million compared from $8 million in the same period of the prior year.

The company opened five new stores and closed two stores during the first quarter of 2006 as part of its strategic plan to close smaller stores and open larger stores. It currently has a total of 93 stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada and Texas.