Jo-Ann Stores F3Q08 (Qtr End 11/3/07) Earnings Call Transcript

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2007-11-29 06:38:44.0

Tags: Jo-Ann Stores Inc.

Question-and-Answer Session

Operator

(Operator Instructions) Your first question is from the line of Jeff Stein – KeyBanc Capital Markets.

Jeff Stein – KeyBanc Capital Markets

Good morning Darrell, just a couple of questions. First of all with regard to the revised outlook, is the revision based on what you’ve seen quarter-to-date or what you expect to see for the rest of the season and then can you talk a little bit about the custom framing business? This seems to be the first time that you’ve called that out as being a strong category for you.

Darrell Webb

Sure Jeff. First of all, we’re not going to speak directly to current sales trend or guidance for the quarter. Let me answer that this way. I think we’ve got a very solid strategy in place not only for the fourth quarter, but for the long term. And, I think we’re executing against that strategy really affectively.

Unfortunately, just as we’re beginning to hit on all cylinders right now, we’re facing this headwind of a weakening economy and this declining of consumer confidence. So as I said in the prepared remarks, I do think we’re positioned to perform better than most retailers in this environment. Just as you saw in the third quarter where our same-store sales were positive when many of the specialty competitors were not. I think that same scenario is likely to play-out over the fourth quarter, so we could expect to see some D leveraging. But, we’re not going to provide specific guidance for the quarter.

Jeff Stein – KeyBanc Capital Markets

Could you talk about the custom framing business? What has changed there because that’s a category that you really haven’t discussed this year.

Darrell Webb

Truly, not a great deal has changed other than we continue to make incremental improvements in what we offer in the stores and how we market the offering. It’s been a very solid business of ours for a number of years and I guess we’ve heard some of the competitors call it out as a strong point and we thought it was time that we took credit for how strong a business it is for us as well.

Jeff Stein – KeyBanc Capital Markets

Had you considered becoming more vertical in that business?

Darrell Webb

We certainly have considered that.

Jeff Stein – KeyBanc Capital Markets

Jim, if you could talk about your estimate for interest expense during the fourth quarter and then also if you could address the list on store remodels this year?

Jim Kerr

 

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