Whitehall Jewellers, Inc., Chicago, reports that sales for the first quarter ended April 30, were $73 million, a 5.6% increase compared to $69.1 million in sales for the first quarter of 2003. Same-store sales rose 3.3% during the quarter, versus a same-store sales decrease of 8.7% during the first fiscal quarter of 2003.

The company plans to release financial results for the quarter on May 27.

Whitehall Jewellers, Inc. is a leading national specialty retailer of fine jewelry, currently operating 385 stores in 38 states. The company operates stores in shopping malls under the names Whitehall Co. Jewellers, Lundstrom Jewelers, and Marks Bros. Jewelers.

JCK