US footwear chain Shoe Carnival, Inc. has posted lower sales for the first quarter ended May 5.

Net sales decreased 1.7% to $165.7 million from the $168.5 million reported in the first quarter of 2006, whilst comparable store sales for the thirteen-week period declined 3.7%. Net earnings fell to $7.3 million compared with $7.4 million in the comparable prior-year period.

Mark Lemond, chief executive officer and president commented, "Industry-wide, early spring footwear sales at retail were not as strong as most retailers expected.”