Orchard Supply sees Q2 comps increase

Orchard Supply Hardware Stores reported an increase in comparable-store sales for the second quarter ended July 28 of 0.9%. Preliminary net sales were $194.0 million compared with $196.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.

"We are pleased to deliver positive comparable store sales for the quarter," said Mark Baker, president and CEO. "However, the environment remains challenging and our business was more promotional than anticipated, which will likely impact margins in the second quarter. We continue to expect positive comparable-store sales for fiscal 2012, as our in-store marketing and merchandising initiatives gain increased traction during the second half of the year."

The company also announced that on July 27, 2012, it completed a sale-leaseback transaction with a national REIT for six properties, generating gross proceeds of approximately $43 million. Approximately $25 million of the net proceeds were used to pay-off the company's Real Estate Secured Term Loan in its entirety, while approximately $8 million of the balance of the net proceeds will be used to pay down the Company's Senior Secured Term Loan.

Baker added: "This transaction enables us to reduce our debt, while at the same time providing additional capital to continue the transformation of our store portfolio. Our new store concept that was first unveiled in September 2011 is generating improved productivity and has met with positive response from our customers. By the end of fiscal 2012, we expect to have a combination of 12 new and remodeled Orchard stores operating in this format."