Foot Locker's total third quarter sales increased 7%, to 1 731 million US dollars in 2014, compared with sales of 1 622 million US dollars in the prior-year period. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales for the third quarter increased 8%.

Foot Locker's gross margin rate increased to 33.2% of sales from 33.1% in the third quarter of 2013, while the selling, general, and administrative expense rate improved to 20.4% of sales from 21.0% last year.

“The team at Foot Locker has produced another very strong quarter, marking our 19th consecutive quarter of meaningful sales and profit growth”, commented Ken C. Hicks, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, adding: “We are making substantial progress towards our key perational and financial objectives, including net income margin, sales per gross square foot, and return on invested capital.

"The company is well positioned to build on the momentum the team has created over the last several years”, said Dick Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, adding: “It will be a tremendous privilege to lead the organization as we leverage our strengths, which include our global scope, our banner differentiation, our omnichannel capabilities, and our people, in pursuit of the exciting opportunities we have identified to grow and improve the business in the near and long term.”

Net income for Foot Locker's first nine months of the year increased to 374 million US dollars, or 2.55 US dollars per share, compared to net income of 308 million US dollars, or 2.04 US dollars per share, for the corresponding period in 2013.

Year-to-date sales reached 5 240 million US dollars, an increase of 11% compared to sales of 4 714 million US dollars in similar period in 2013. Year-to-date comparable store sales increased 7%. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales year-to-date increased 11%.

During the third quarter, the company opened 35 new stores, remodeled/relocated 67 stores, and closed 21 stores. As of the 1st of November Foot Locker operated 3 474 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, 46 franchised Foot Locker stores were operating in the Middle East and South Korea, as well as 27 franchised Runners Point and Sidestep stores in Germany and Switzerland.

Foot Locker, Inc. shares were last traded at 54.66 US dollars at the New York Stock Exchange on the 22nd of December.

For more information about Foot Locker please refer to the company’s website.