US specialty retailer of fashion footwear for young women, Bakers Footwear Group, Inc. has reported lower sales of $61.2 million for the fourth fiscal quarter, ended February 3, compared with $61.3 million for the thirteen-week period ended January 28, 2006. Comparable store sales decreased 13.8%, compared with a 24.5% increase in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

For fiscal 2006, net sales increased 5.1% to $204.8 million, from $194.8 million for fiscal 2005. Comparable store sales decreased 7.1%, compared with a 16.7% increase in fiscal 2005.

Commenting on the results, chairman and CEO, Peter Edison, said, “We were disappointed with our fourth quarter sales results as we were unable to match the strong boot and bootie sales of 2005. We believe we have taken the necessary markdowns on our seasonal assortments in January to end the year in a clean inventory position. This allows us to begin fiscal 2007 with our stores well positioned to receive fresh spring product.”

The company, which operates more than 250 stores across the USA under its Bakers and Wild Pair formats, sells private label and national brand dress, casual and sport shoes, boots, sandals and accessories.