Sales decline at Sport Chalet

Low consumer confidence contributed to a drop in sales over the summer, La Cañada Flintridge-based Sport Chalet Inc. announced Monday.

Sales decreased 5.2% in the quarter that ended on Sept. 29 to $86.7 million. Over the same period last year, the company brought in $91.5 million. While comparable store sales were down 2.5%, online sales increased by 32.4%.

The company is operating on a net loss of $3 million.

In a conference call, Sport Chalet CEO Craig Levra said he was disappointed at the results from the last quarter, but sales have improved since the fall season began. “We are pleased that in September we saw positive sales.”

He added that many customers are now using the Sport Chalet website to check store inventory.

The company experienced several major changes this year. Three stores closed, while a location in downtown Los Angeles opened. The new store, located in the Figat7th shopping plaza, is “outperforming expectations,” Levra said.

Levra said that he is confident that sales will continue to improve as the holiday season approaches.

“We are hopeful that the retail environment will show signs of sustained improvement very soon.”

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Follow Tiffany Kelly on Google+ and on Twitter: @LATiffanyKelly.

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