Margin Rates Robust in 4th Qtr.

Better-managed markdowns, stronger same-store sales and improved inventory management boosted gross margin rates for most

retailers during the fourth quarter of 2006.

Better-managed markdowns, stronger same-store sales and improved inventory management boosted gross margin rates for most retailers during the fourth quarter of 2006.>
More favorable sourcing costs can bolster margins, said analysts, who added that technology was also helping drive up gross margins.
Of the companies that released fourth-quarter results, 24 delivered higher year-over-year gross margin rates, while 17 posted declines and one retailer was flat. The average year-over-year gain was 34 basis points




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