Finlay Enterprises Inc., an operator of jewelry counters in department stores, on Tuesday said its third-quarter sales were lower than expected, due to disruptions stemming from the Sept. 11 attacks, and forecast a wider third-quarter loss, the company reported.

Total sales for the third quarter decreased to $175.4 million from $189.7 million reported in the third quarter of the prior year, the company reported. Sales at stores open at least a year-same-store sales-fell 5.5% in the quarter.

The company anticipates a net loss of 32 to 35 cents per diluted share for the quarter, versus a loss of 18 cents per share a year earlier. It will report full results for the third quarter on Nov. 29.

JCK