“We have hit the ground running in 2015, producing the most profitable quarter in our history”, stated Richard Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer at Foot Locker, adding: “We are focused on executing the updated strategic priorities that we described in our investor meeting in March, and the results in the first quarter demonstrate that we remain on the right track, with strong performances across our channels, geographies, banners, and categories. Our core business improved and we made progress on each of our growth pillars, a team accomplishment of which we are all very proud.”

Net income for the Foot Locker’s first quarter reached 184 million US dollars (1.29 US dollars per share), compared with net income of 162 million US dollars (1.10 US dollars per share) in similar period last year, a 17% increase. First quarter comparable-store sales increased 7.8%. Total first quarter sales increased 2.6%, totaling 1 916 million US dollars this year, compared with sales of 1 868 million US dollars for similar period in 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales for the first quarter increased 7.9%.

Foot Locker’s gross margin rate improved to 35.0% of sales from 34.6% a year ago.

“The team at Foot Locker continued to execute efficiently during the quarter, both operationally and financially”, stated Lauren Peters, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, adding: “Driven by solid performance on the top line that flowed effectively to the bottom line, we delivered results which surpassed our guidance at the start of the year. We remain intent on improving the productivity of all of our assets as we strive to attain our recently elevated long-term goals.”

During the first quarter, Foot Locker opened 37 new stores, remodeled or relocated 55 stores, and closed 41 stores. As of the 2nd of May the company operated 3 419 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, 55 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.