US footwear designer, wholesaler and retailer Steven Madden, Ltd., has reported better than expected unaudited preliminary results for the fourth quarter.

Based on higher than anticipated sales in the wholesale segment, the company expects to report fourth quarter net sales in the range of $90 million to $91 million, approximately 7% to 8% higher than the $84.5 million reported in the same quarter last year. Net sales reflect an approximate 14% increase in total wholesale sales, partially offset by a decline in total retail sales of approximately 1.6%. Same store sales in the retail division decreased approximately 6.5% versus an increase of 9.5% last year. This is due primarily to the phase out of previous accessory items in order to prepare for the first quarter re-launch of accessories, including licensed handbags and belts.

The company plans to report final fourth quarter and full year results and provide its outlook for 2006 on March 2.