US provider of branded footwear, LaCrosse Footwear Inc, reported consolidated net sales of $18.9 million (GBP 9.9 million) for the first quarter, compared with $23.7 million in the third quarter of 2004. Consolidated net income amounted to $0.3 million, compared with $1.1 million the year before.

The company's overall gross margin continued to improve. It was up at 37.1 per cent of net sales for the first quarter 2005, compared with 30.5 per cent in the same period last year. This improvement reflects the increased sales of LaCrosse Footwear's new higher-margin products and the strategic discontinuation of the low margin PVC boot line.

LaCrosse Footwear Inc. is a leading developer and marketer of branded, premium and innovative footwear for expert work and outdoor users. It distributes Danner and LaCrosse brands through a US network of specialty retailers and distributors, and internationally through distributors in Asia and Europe.