Krause’s Sales Fall 2.6%

Krause’s Furniture Inc. said same-store sales in the fourth quarter fell 2.6% from sales a year earlier.

Krause’s said that while orders in November and the beginning of December were on track, customer traffic was erratic in January, normally a strong sales period, as unusually harsh weather hurt sales in the Northeast and Midwest and hampered the company’s ability to deliver orders.

Limited customer traffic and reduced order levels throughout the chain have continued into February. The company also said bookings during Presidents Day weekend, a traditionally important period for furniture retailers, have not been as strong as desired.

The company said total sales for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28 rose 1.6% to $29.8 million from $29.4 million a year ago.

Krause’s Furniture operates Krause’s Sofa Factory, a retailer and manufacturer of made-to-order upholstered furniture.