Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
(Operator Instructions) We'll go to David Leibowitz with Burnham.
David Leibowitz - Burnham
A few unrelated items, if I may. First question, how much mark down money did you have to put out in the quarter?
Kevin Mahoney
The mark down money that was put out was a first quarter event, not second quarter, and it was less that $0.5 million.
David Leibowitz - Burnham
Excellent. Is that, Kevin, an accrual, or is this just done as needed during the year?
Kevin Mahoney
It was as needed during the first quarter.
David Leibowitz - Burnham
And there is no accrual set up for further mark down money as the year progresses?
Kevin Mahoney
No. No. It was a first quarter event.
David Leibowitz - Burnham
Okay. Good. Second question, the new product introductions in the writing instrument business, what percentage of revenue do you expect them to be this year?
Dave Whalen
Well, we -- our target is to be over 25% on a 24 month measurement. Anything introduced in the last 24 months will be greater than -- represent greater than 25% of the business. We're achieving that target, Dave. I will -- I can get back to you on the specific level, but for this year's business it will be between 12% and 15% for the total year.
David Leibowitz - Burnham
Okay. And the last question, given the strength of the second quarter, the sales increase that you're talking to is not giving much core growth, and I was wondering where the shortfall is, what specific parts of the business are not living up to expectations?
Dave Whalen
I don't follow the question entirely.
Kevin Mahoney
Are you talking about going forward, Dave, or -- in the second quarter?
David Leibowitz - Burnham
Yeah. For the second half, based on the strength of the second quarter.
Dave Whalen
Well, as indicated in the comments, our performance in both our brands that we entered in '08 with, Cross and Costa Del Mar, performed well, both operating towards the plans that we laid out for them. The Native business contributed $1 million of operating income in the second quarter, and as I said, that's the quarter where they get a substantial amount of their operating leverage.
David Leibowitz - Burnham
Right.
Dave Whalen
So, that quarterly benefit is not going to continue in quarters three and four.
Kevin Mahoney
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