New record first quarter for Skechers in 2019

Manhattan Beach, California — Footwear maker Skechers had sales of $1.3 bn in first quarter of 2019. This is up 2.1% on the first quarter of 2018 .

Gross profit across the business rose by 1.3%, reaching $590.5m in the first quarter of 2019.

The company said its sales figures could have been higher, but a 9.3% increase in international sales was offset by a 6.3% fall in its domestic sales.

John Vandemore, chief financial officer, said the quarter had been challenging. However, he added, the company had increased sales and invested in the business.

'We again achieved a new quarterly sales record in the first quarter of 2019,' added CEO Robert Greenberg. 'Our focus has been on designing and delivering product across all genders and categories, and supporting it with targeted marketing.'

The company projected that its second quarter sales would be between $1.2 and $1.225 bn.

Skechers explained that this takes account of foreign currency headwinds, and the commencement of joint venture operations in Mexico.