Blyth, Inc., a direct-to-consumer company, reported sales and earnings for the first quarter of 2015. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased approximately 12% to $103.7 million from $118.2 million for the comparable prior year period.  Sales for the quarter were negatively impacted by the strengthening U.S. Dollar, particularly against the euro, by approximately 9%, or $10.7 million.

Commenting on the first quarter results, Robert B. Goergen, Jr., Chief Executive Officer noted, “While our Catalog & Internet segment sales gained over the prior year period, our Candles & Home Decor segment sales were negatively affected by the increasing strength of the U.S. dollar versus the euro, as well as the lower number of independent sales Consultants.  Absent the adverse currency impact, we experienced year-over-year sales growth in all of our emerging markets as well as in several of our mature markets, including Germany, Austria, the U.K. and Australia.”

Blythe is a leading designer and marketer of candles and accessories for the home and health, wellness and beauty products, household convenience items and personalized gifts sold through the direct selling and direct marketing channels.

Goergen also noted, “As the global economy remains uneven and the strong dollar mutes our global profit contribution, our operating profit was anticipated to decline versus last year; thus, we initiated ambitious restructuring and gross margin improvement programs that should benefit profitability going forward. 

Goergen continued, “In the first quarter we announced the successful migration of all candle production to our Batavia, Illinois facility, which we anticipate will result in annualized savings of $8.0 million.”

Turning to Blyth’s Catalog & Internet business, Silver Star Brands, Goergen said, “The first quarter increase in revenue is promising.  The Native Remedies, brand of herbal dietary supplements and homeopathic products, acquired in early 2015, is integrating seamlessly into our existing business.”

Blyth’s Exposures brand recently announced a partnership with celebrity event stylist David Tutera on a chic collection of home decor.