Zumiez's September sales are stellar

September sales turned out better than expected for important industry customer Zumiez, the company reported this afternoon. As a result, the company raised its earnings guidance for the third quarter.

Zumiez said same store sales in September rose 10.1%. In September 2010, same store sales increased 17%.

This year during the key back-to-school months of August and September combined, Zumiez’s same store sales increased 6.8%.

Comp sales by week in September were:

1. +9.6%

2. +12.6%

3. + 8.9%

4. +11.5%

5. +6.9%

The dollars per transactions rose, while the number of transactions decreased.

Strong categories: Men’s, Footwear, Junior’s, Accessories, Boys

Weak category: hardgoods

Year-to-date same store sales: + 8.8%

Total stores: 436

Because of stronger than expected sales, Zumiez now expects third quarter sales of $150 million to $152 million and net income per diluted share of 40 cents to 41 cents, up from the previous guidance of 37 cents to 39 cents.