Finance & Capital Management

New York -- Analysts project that Francesca’s, a junior apparel and accessories retailer, will have the retail industry’s fastest rates of growth during the next three years, Bloomberg reported.

Francesca’s plans to expand to 900 stores, or double its current store count, in the next seven years.  The chain is projected by analysts to grow sales by 80% during the next three years, faster than any other apparel retailer, according to the report.

Memphis, Tenn. -- Fred's Inc.’s fiscal second-quarter net income fell to $3.3 million from $6.1 million because of a hefty tax benefit a year ago. The company’s adjusted results showed improved profitability, helped by increased customer traffic, higher traffic and lower costs.

The retailer cautioned, however, that its lower-income customers are still feeling economically pressured. Fred's said that it anticipates the operation environment will be challenging in the second half of the year.

Irving, Texas -- Michaels Stores Inc.’s second-quarter profit soared 53.8% amid higher sales and lower interest expenses.

The retailer reported a profit of $20 million for the quarter ended Aug. 3, compared with $13 million a year earlier.
Sales inched up 1.3% to $904 million. Same-store sales fell 1.3%, due to a 3.6% decrease in transactions and a 0.4% decrease in deferred custom framing revenue, which was partially offset by a 2.7% increase in the company's average ticket.

Los Angeles -- Guess Inc. reported net income for the second quarter above expectations due to improving sales in North America.

Net income fell 7% to $39.8 million, down from $42.9 million a year ago.

Overall sales rose 0.6% to $639 million. In North America, which accounts for about 40% of the chain’s revenue, retail sales were up 1%.

Same-store sales fell 2%, compared to a 10% drop in the first quarter.

Nashville, Tenn. -- Footwear retailer Genesco estimated second-quarter results below analysts' forecast. The company also slashed its adjusted profit outlook for the current year.

“We are disappointed that our second quarter performance fell short of expectations,” said Robert J. Dennis, chairman, president and CEO of Genesco. “Sales trends proved to be more challenging as the quarter progressed and results came in below our plan. The third quarter has gotten off to a difficult start with comparable sales down 3% through Aug. 24.

Hamilton, Bermuda -- Signet Jewelers Ltd.’s net income fell to $67.4 million for the quarter ended Aug. 3, down from $70.7 million a year earlier, impacted by the Mother’s Day calendar shift.  

Total sales increased 3.1% to $880.2 million, fueled by strong sales at the company’s Kay Jewelers and Jared stores in the United States. Sales were soft at its British chains.

Same-store sales were up 3.6%. At Kay, same-store sales rose 5.8%.

Regional department store chain Gordmans gave shareholders a huge gift this week when the private equity controlled company’s board said it had borrowed $45 million to fund a $3.61 special dividend after reporting lackluster second quarter results.

NEW YORK — Avon Products appointed Brian Salsberg as SVP of global strategy, effective Sept. 23. Salsberg will report to Sheri McCoy, Avon's CEO, and will join the company's executive committee.

IRVING, Texas — Same-store sales at Michaels Stores decreased 1.3% for the second quarter ended August 3. The dip was due, in part, to a 3.6% decrease in transactions and a 0.4% decrease in deferred custom framing revenue, partially offset by a 2.7% increase in the company's average ticket. 

The company experienced its strongest sales performance during the quarter in home accents and yarn.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Genesco Inc., a specialty retailer which sells footwear, headwear, sports apparel and accessories, continues navigating through uncertain consumer environments as second quarter results fell short of expectations.