Rick’s total sales in May were $2.8 million, 42 percent higher than the $1.9 million reported in May 2006, and nearly 14 percent more than the previous record of $2,485,043 set in April of this year.
Allan Priaulx, director of investor relations for Rick’s, told XBIZ that there were two key factors behind the consecutive record sales months for Rick’s — new acquisitions and repeat customers.
“We’ve made five acquisitions in the past 16 months, and three of those are doing very, very well,” said Priaulx, citing new Texas locations in San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth as the top-performing new clubs.
Another recently established location, Rick’s in New York City, has shown “sharp growth,” Priaulx said.
“From what we gather from talking to customers at the New York location, we are getting a lot of repeat customers,” Priaulx said. “The hosts and hostesses are very friendly and inviting, the girls are beautiful, and it’s just a very enjoyable experience.”
Another major factor in the success of Rick’s in New York is the club’s prime location, Priaulx said.
“It is the only really upscale club in midtown Manhattan,” Priaulx said. “All the other upscale clubs are way out on the west side.”
Overall, Rick’s same-club sales (revenue not including new-club sales) were 9 percent higher last month than in May of last year. The company owns and operates 15 clubs and two adult-related websites.
