Simon & Schuster followed double-digit sales gains in this year's first quarter with another strong performance in the second period ended June 30. "We've continued to maintain double-digit growth through the first six months of the year," company president and CEO Jack Romanos told PW.
As in the first quarter, Romanos said, all of S&S's divisions contributed to the increase; he cited particularly good performances from the children's publishing and interactive groups. Leaders in the children's area include America: A Patriotic Primer as well as several titles from the company's Simon Spotlight imprint. Outlaw Golf led sales in the interactive unit. Among the top sellers in the adult publishing group were Daddy's Little Girl, The Summerhouse, The Right Words at the Right Time and a surprise hit in Good in Bed. In addition, John Adams, released in last year's second quarter, continues to sell well. "There isn't a single area I could point to as a disappointment," Romanos said.
Romanos said the goal for 2002 is to finish the year with a double-digit sales gain. The company could be helped to reach that objective through an acquisition. S&S has not made a significant purchase in a number of years, but Romanos said S&S now has "an appetite for acquisitions. We're in a position to look at anything attractive that comes along."
