Helen of Troy reports sales drop in Q3

EL PASO, Texas The unfavorable retail economy hampered Helen of Troy's personal care segment during the third quarter, as the developer and marketer of personal care and household consumer products posted a decrease in net sales.

Net sales in the personal care segment for the quarter ended Nov. 30 decreased 4.4% to $134.2 million compared with $140.3 million in the year-ago period. The company noted that the grooming, skin care and hair care solutions category achieved net sales growth during the quarter, while hair care appliances and accessories net sales decreased during the period.

Meanwhile, its housewares segment (OXO) posted a 21.8% boost in net sales during the quarter.

Total net sales for the company were $189.4 million versus net sales of $185.6 million in he year-ago period, an increase of 2%. Earnings were $24.7 million, or 80 cents per diluted share, compared with $15.1 million, or 48 cents per share.

The company's personal care products include hair dryers, curling irons, hair setters, shavers, brushes, combs, hair accessories, home hair clippers, mirrors, foot baths, body massagers, paraffin baths, liquid hair styling products, body powder and skin care products.