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Non-Tech : Sports Authority (TSA) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jason W who wrote (53)	8/18/1999 12:02:00 AM
From: Gary105	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 94

Very informative conference call, including questions from a half dozen analysts, including at least 2 major brokerage houses (Merrill and AG Edwards). Key points: Marty obviously could not go on record predicting positive comparisons but he did say comparisons will be better than the recent ones. Numerous reasons including starting ski season merchandise in Sept instead of November, absence of NBA strike, new basketball shoe and cross training lines (these lines are traditionally not discounted that much), upcoming announcement with new supplier (probably in shoe area), rather than gradual rollout of complete store upgrades they will do immediate partial upgrades to half their stores by holiday season, incentive selling (of shoes I think), full service selling of shoes in some stores. Model store in Clifton has increased sales and margins in the very high double digit areas, addition of value pricing of some product lines (eg cleats) take share back from discounters, recognizing that cleat sales lead to sales of other items - shin guards, jerseys, etc. Womens and childrens items and raquet items are doing well. Shoes not doing well but only 27% of sales - indications are that shoes should improve. Looking at improving communication with stores - periodic visits (June and October) , videos, giving stores freedom to do innovative merchandising - eg jogging strollers doing well.