Finance & Capital Management

Fort Worth, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports said on Thursday that its same-store sales rose 10.2% for the quarter ended Nov. 27, a little better than it had expected when it made a prediction last month.

Third-quarter total revenue rose 8.3% to $354 million.

President and CEO Alex W. Smith said strong results in September and October carried into November and the Thanksgiving weekend. Pier 1 stores got more visitors who spent more money, compared with the same period last year, Smith said.

Cincinnati -- Kroger Co. rang up better sales and returned to third-quarter profitability but the company warned that shoppers remain cautious.

The Cincinnati-based grocer reported Thursday that net income was $202.2 million, compared with a loss of $875 million a year earlier.

Revenue was up 5.9% to $18.7 billion.

New York City -- Aeropostale announced that, effective immediately, Thomas P. Johnson, co-CEO, has been named CEO. Mindy C. Meads, who has served as co-CEO along with Johnson since February 2010, will leave the company to pursue other interests. She will stay for a short period to ensure a smooth transition.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores reported net income for its fiscal 2011 third quarter ended Oct. 30, of $29.1 million, up from $24.1 million in the year ago period. The retailer also raised its full-year outlook.

Net sales for the third quarter increased 5.1% to $535.3 million, from $509.1 million last year. Same-store sales increased 4.1%.

Chairman and CEO Darrell Webb said the chain was encouraged by the results in its new and remodeled stores, and was increasing its plan for both new store openings and remodel projects in fiscal 2012.

New York City -- Developers Diversified Corp. announced the introduction of six new locations for teen fave Five Below in 2010. The stores were opened in Ohio; New Jersey; North Carolina; and New York.

Five Below currently operates over 100 discount stores across the country and intends to double its store count by the end of 2011 through a massive expansion spree.

New York City -- Starbucks Corp. is looking beyond its cafes for expansion in the future. Detailing its growth plans Wednesday at its investor conference, the chain announced it plans to triple the number of its cafes in China, offer more products in grocery stores and open new kinds of stores to build on its recent recovery.

By Cynthia Cohen, twitter.com/StrategyDiva

Bensalem, Pa. -- Charming Shoppes reported a smaller loss for its third fiscal quarter on Wednesday, helped by lower operating expenses and competitive promotions that attracted customers. The chain posted a net loss of $18.8 million for the period ended Oct. 30, compared with a loss of $48.4 million, in the prior-year period.

Revenue increased 1% to $463.6 million from $460.2 million, with online sales up 40%. Same-store sales rose 3%.
 

Hampstead, Md. -- Jos. A. Banks posted a profit of $12.6 million during the fiscal 2010 third quarter ended Oct. 30, compared with a profit of $11.7 million in the year age period. It was the 36th quarter out of the past 37 with earnings growth compared with prior year periods.

Revenue increased 7.4% to $173.3 million from $161.3 million a year ago. Same-store sales increased 3% in the quarter.

Both earnings and sales trailed analysts’ estimates.