— Furniture Today,
ATLANTA — Increased sales in May and June and the continuing strength of its private-label goods helped Havertys nearly triple its second quarter earnings from the same period a year ago.


The 119-store Atlanta-based retailer earned $3.6 million in the quarter as its sales grew 9.7%, to $211 million. Same-store sales were up 7.8%.

For the first half, Havertys’ profit nearly doubled to $8.7 million from $4.5 million for the first six months of 2012.

Havertys President and CEO Clarence Smith said the results reflect sales increases in the last two months of the quarter and improved profit margins thanks to the growth of its proprietary Havertys Collections branded goods.

“The flow of imported merchandise is better managed this year through our recently expanded main distribution center,” he added. That has helped boost sales by improving the retailer’s in-stock position and ability to fulfill orders quickly.

The top line also benefited from a higher average ticket resulting from promotions with longer-term no interest, no down payment offers.

“Our efforts continue to be focused on building consumer awareness of the Havertys Collections merchandise and strengthening our connection with our target customers,” Smith said. “We are also intent on becoming more efficient in running our business so that costs can be further contained and leveraged as we grow.”

Separately, Havertys reported that it posted a better-than-expected 10.3% sales increase in July to $73.4 million, and an 8% same-store sales gain.