Foothill Ranch-based retailer Wet Seal Inc. gave hope for a turnaround Thursday by reporting a 36% jump in March sales from stores open at least a year.
Analysts were looking for a 22% gain in same-store sales.
An early Easter helped the results, the company said. Even so, Chief Executive Joel Waller said the numbers show Wet Seal’s revival efforts are taking hold.
“Our March comparable store sales result continues to validate our merchandise strategy,” he said.
The company runs more than 300 Wet Seal stores aimed at girls and young women and 93 Arden B. stores for older shoppers.
Wet Seal’s total sales grew 5% to $41 million for the five weeks ended April 2. The company closed five Wet Seal stores during the period.
