(Filed Under Financial and General Interest News). R.G. Barry Corporation, an accessory footwear developer and marketer, has announced a 26.7 percent increase in net sales for its second quarter, ended December 27, 2008.

Net sales increased to $48.9 million compared to $38.6 million for the corresponding period of fiscal 2008.

“Considering the very difficult and highly promotional 2008 retail environment, our second quarter performance was exceptionally good,” said Greg Tunney, president and chief executive officer. “Footwear consumer staples such as slippers are historically viewed as attractive, affordable gifts, even when economic times are tough. Based upon our brands’ healthy performances across many retail channels during Christmas 2008, that premise remains valid.”

The company also reported a 48.2 percent increase in net earnings to 6.1 million, or $0.57 per basic share and $0.56 per diluted share, from $4.1 million, or $0.39 per basic share and $0.38 per diluted share, in the second quarter.

In additional news, accelerating a succession plan announced last year, the corporation has named José G. Ibarra as its senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer replacing Daniel D. Viren.

In conjunction with his new role, Ibarra has realigned the company’s finance department and promoted Gary Sandefur to corporate controller, Mike Maggard to corporate treasurer, Paul Cieply to manager of financial planning and analysis and Ann Scarberry to manager of treasury.

Founded in 1947, R.G. Barry Corporation’s accessory footwear category encompasses slippers, sandals, hybrid and active footwear, slipper socks and hosiery. Their family of accessory footwear brands includes Dearforms; Terrasoles; DF Sport; Dearforms NV; NCAA-licensed My College Footwear; Nautica; EZfeet; Utopia; Angel Treads; Soft Notes; Solé and Superga.

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Published 02-03-2009 by Bruna Fernandes