Zumiez comp sales fall double digits in December

More sobering retail news this afternoon as Zumiez reports a 12.3 percent decline in comp store sales in December.

The company said footwear was the only category that comped positive, while sales slumped in men's, juniors, and boys apparel, accessories and hardgoods.

Comp sales by week are particularly stunning:

Week 1 - down 27.1 percent
Week 2 - down 24.8 percent
Week 3 - down 27 percent
Week 4 - positive 15.9 percent
Week 5 - positive 12.3 percent

The company said the number of transactions at comp stores decreased as did the average unit retail price.

Stores west of Texas, and stores in Florida, are causing the most problems with comp sales declining in the high negative teens in those regions. Those stores account for 57 percent of Zumiez's comp store base.

Quarter-to-date, Zumiez's comps are down 13.1 percent and year-to-date, down 6.1 percent.

Currently, Zumiez operates 343 stores.