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spk03: Comparable store sales when compared to last quarter saw 330 basis point improvement. While we had an easier compare and benefited from the timing shift of Easter, this result would not have been possible without the strong execution of our sales teams given the headwinds facing our industry. Our gross margin rate during the second quarter increased to 66%, which represents a 20 basis point improvement from the first quarter and a 180 basis point increase when compared to the second quarter of 2023. As we've outlined in recent quarters, international freight rates have fallen and we have been able to successfully secure products operating in our assortment at lower price points, which help reduce our inventory costs. Second quarter SG&A expenses of $58.5 million were $2.9 million higher than our second quarter SG&A expenses in 2023. The increase in SG&A expense was partially due to a $1.3 million increase in bonus expense that was primarily attributable to a release of certain bonus and long-term incentive accruals during the second quarter of 2023 that was not repeated in the second quarter of 2024. Additionally, occupancy costs increased by $700,000 due to an increase in rent expense associated with leases that were extended over the last year. IT related expenses increased by $700,000 due to an increase in software licensing costs and marketing expenses increased by $400,000 due to an increase in digital advertising expenses. These increases were partially offset by $900,000 decrease in depreciation expense and a $700,000 decrease in variable compensation expenses. During the quarter, we recorded $900,000 of asset impairment charges related to the write-down of certain store assets. Turning our attention to balance sheet and cash flow information, we ended the quarter with $25.3 million of cash and no bank debt. We generated $23.5 million of operating cash flow at June 30th, 2024. We believe we're well positioned to navigate the challenges of the current environment with a great team, strong balance sheet, and the enhancements we're making to serve our customers. With that, Kab and I are happy to take any questions.
spk01: Thank you. We will now begin the question and answer session. If you have dialed in and would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone. To raise your hand and join the queue, if you would like to withdraw your question, simply press star one again. And if you are called upon to ask your question and are listening via loudspeaker on your device, please pick up your handset and ensure that your phone is not on mute when asking your question. There are no questions. I will now turn the conference back over to Ken Cooper for closing remarks.
spk02: Thank you for listening to our green conference call. We anticipate filing our form 10 queue later today. Thank you for your interest in Attal Shop and have a great day.
spk01: This concludes today's conference call. You may now disconnect. Please wait. The conference will begin shortly.
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