Birks Group Inc. announced sales results for the third quarter of 2015. For the period, the company total consolidated net sales increased 3.2% or $3.1 million, to $97.6 million, as compared to $94.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The increase in total net sales reflects the higher comparable store sales of 11% partially offset by $3.8 million of lower reported sales related to translating the company's Canadian sales into U.S. dollars due to the weaker Canadian dollar and $1.5 million of lower sales related to operating four less stores than the prior year's third quarter consistent with the company's strategy to focus on its more productive stores and close underperforming store locations.

comparable store sales increased 11% from the previous year reflecting a 17% increase in comparable store sales in the U.S. and a 5% increase in Canada. The increase in both the U.S. and Canada was primarily related to higher average sales transactions mainly driven by higher timepiece sales in both the U.S. and Canada and also by higher fine jewelry sales in Canada.