Although only a small part of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.’s fortunes, Internet sales rose dramatically during the third quarter, in advance of the site’s early 2007 relaunch.
Overall, the company generated $61.1 million during the quarter, primarily from its publishing, merchandising and broadcasting operations. During third-quarter 2005, Martha Stewart Living reported $41.3 million in revenue.
But the company’s Internet sales rose from $1.6 million to $2.8 million during the same period, reflecting a soft launch of programs designed to drive Web site traffic and advertising sales. Company president and CEO Susan Lyne cited online sales as a significant factor in anticipated 2007 growth.
Between last year’s and this year’s third quarter, the company trimmed its operating loss from $26.9 million to $7.9 million, and its net loss from $26.1 million to $25.2 million.
