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Last month Williams-Sonoma Inc. announced that net revenues for the 8-week holiday period ended Dec. 25, 2011, increased 4.2 percent to $901 million versus the 8-week holiday period ended Dec. 26, 2010, including a comparable brand revenue increase of 4.9 percent.

However, the 2011 brand revenue numbers are lower than 2010's 11.3 percent and 2009's 6.9 percent increases.

Laura Alber, president and CEO, said the the specialty retailer’s merchandising strategies, operating model and execution drove the sales and profit increase.“Holiday comparable brand revenues increased 4.9 percent on top of 11.3 percent last year,” said Alber. “Our home furnishings brands had strong performance, particularly West Elm and Pottery Barn. Williams-Sonoma faced greater challenges on a year-over-year basis given the heavy market discounting on nationally branded products.

So far this year, sales are “encouraging,” Alber said, adding the company is “committed to the fundamental strategies that drove our record earnings performance in fiscal 2011” … including attracting new customers, filling "white space" in the marketplace by expanding merchandise categories, focusing on service, driving efficiencies in its global supply chain and expanding its e-commerce initiatives.

Williams-Sonoma Inc.'s brands -- Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home and Rejuvenation Inc – are marketed through 592 stores, seven direct mail catalogs and six websites.