Zale Corp., North America’s largest specialty retailer of fine jewelry, on Thursday reported that comparable store sales increased 3.5% for the third quarter. Total revenues for the period were $516 million compared to last year’s third quarter revenues of $483 million, an increase of 6.7%.

For the fiscal year-to-date, total revenues increased 3.3% to $1.911 billion, compared to $1.849 billion for the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis, comparable store sales increased 0.4%.

“These sales results reflect the momentum in the business as we position our brands appropriately to capture their share of the market,” said Mary L. Forte, president and CEO of the Dallas-based company. “During the quarter, each brand had a positive comparable store sales increase and capitalized on its opportunities beginning with the Valentine’s Day period. Supported by a solid bridal category, we maintained this performance throughout the remainder of the period.”

Zale Corp. operates approximately 2,330 retail locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as online. Its brands include Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon’s Jewelers, Bailey Banks & Biddle Fine Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers, and Piercing Pagoda. Through its ZLC Direct organization, Zale also operates online at www.zales.com and www.baileybanksandbiddle.com.

JCK