Anaheim-based mall retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc.’s big jump in March same-store sales didn’t carry over to April, prompting a warning about a loss for the recently ended quarter.
Pacific Sunwear, which sells surfwear and hip hop clothes, saw April sales at stores open at least a year fall 16.5%.
The showing dashed hopes for a turnaround at the retailer, which has been working to reverse a running slump.
March same-store sales sparked expectations of a recovery with a 14% rise, Pacific Sunwear’s best showing in months.
The company now expects a loss of about $3.5 million for the recently ended quarter. Analysts had been expecting a profit of about $3.5 million.
Foothill Ranch-based Wet Seal Inc., the county’s other major mall retailer, saw April same-store sales 9.6%.
Analysts on average expected a 8.3% same-store sales drop at the seller of clothes for girls and young women.
