Total retail sales for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 were $3.013 billion and $3.133 billion, respectively. Total retail sales decreased 4% for the 26-week period ended July 29, 2023 compared to the prior year 26-week period. Sales in comparable stores decreased 4%.
Gross Margin – 26 Weeks
Consolidated gross margin for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2023 was 41.3% of sales compared to 43.7% of sales for the prior year 26-week period.
Retail gross margin for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2023 was 43.0% of sales compared to 44.5% of sales for the prior year 26-week period.
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses – 26 Weeks
Operating expenses for the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2023 were $818.9 million (26.0% of sales) compared to $802.1 million (25.1% of sales) for the prior year 26-week period. The increase in operating expenses is primarily due to increased payroll and payroll-related expenses.
Share Repurchase
During the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2023, the Company purchased $103.4 million (approximately 358,000 shares) of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $289.32 per share. During the 26 weeks ended July 29, 2023, the Company purchased $217.3 million (approximately 715,000 shares) at an average price of $303.98 per share. As of July 29, 2023, authorization of $458.1 million remained under the May 2023 program.
Total shares outstanding (Class A and Class B Common Stock) at July 29, 2023 and July 30, 2022 were 16.4 million and 17.2 million, respectively.
Store Information
Dillard’s has announced the upcoming closure of its MacArthur Center location in Norfolk, Virginia (240,000 square feet). The store is expected to close in September, 2023.
The Company operates 274 Dillard’s stores, including 27 clearance centers, spanning 29 states (totaling 46.9 million square feet) and an Internet store at dillards.com.