Hit by the same consumer confidence and weather impacts that have pressured competitors, ASO’s net income declined 37% in the first quarter to $93,970,000 from $149,806,000 on 6% lower sales of $1,383,609,000 down from $1,467,730,000 last year. Comps dropped 7.3% on top of last year’s negative 7.5% comp, as transactions and ticket size both slipped lower. The quarter got off to a strong start in Feb., but by Apr. business began to trail off as expected seasonal sales did not materialize, and that weakness continued through May, prompting the guidance revision.

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