Finance & Capital Management

New York City -- A sluggish economy, cool weather and high prices at the pump tempered retail sales in May, as retailers reported mixed results for the month. Retail Metrics projected an increase of 5.1% for the 25 chains tracked, which would mark the 21st straight monthly gain from September 2009.

Among the May standouts was Costco Wholesale Corp., with a 13% rise in same-store sales. Analysts were expecting an 11.2% increase. However, without gasoline sales and beneficial foreign exchange rates, Costco’s same-store sales would have been 7%.

CINCINNATI — The day before most retailers report monthly results, Macy’s said Wednesday that same-store sales climbed 7.4% in May and total revenue rose 8.5% to $1.94 billion.

The department store operator also raised its expectations for the second quarter, saying it now expects second quarter same-store revenue to climb about 5%. Its prior forecast called for an approximately 4% increase.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday that its first-quarter net income increased 12.7% to $17.8 million, compared with $15.8 million in the prior year.

Total sales increased 8.5% to $193.3 million, from $178.1 million. Same-store sales edged up 0.1%.
 

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General Corp. reported Wednesday that profit for the quarter ended April 29 surged 15% to $157 million, compared with $136 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 11% to $3.45 billion from $3.11 billion, beating Wall Street expectations of $3.42 billion. Same-store sales climbed 5.4%.

The discounter plans to open about 625 new stores and to remodel or relocate 550 stores in 2011. Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $550 million to $600 million, according to Dollar General.

New York City -- South Carolina legislators gave final approval Wednesday to a deal bringing Amazon.com and its promise of 2,000 jobs to the state, the Associated Press reported.

The House voted 90-14 to approve a compromise brokered last week in the Senate, sending the measure to Gov. Nikki Haley's desk.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Tesco said it is turning its attention to its U.S. supermarket chain, according to the company's annual report.

According to the company, despite the fact that its U.S. operations, which include its Fresh & Easy supermarket chain, have been slower to recover when compared with its European counterparts, Tesco said, "We are now seeing signs of improvement. ... Customer feedback at Fresh & Easy remains excellent, and strong growth in customer numbers is driving steady sales improvement in each store."

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry said Tuesday that its senior VP operations Brad Williams has decided to leave the company after 13 years.

The c-store operator said it has launched a search for a replacement. In the interim, operations personnel will report to Terry Marks, president and CEO.

New York City -- Capital spending for the retail industry is expected to increase 16% in 2011 to $42.5 billion, with all sub-segments projecting double-digit percentage increases (except for mass merchants, whose growth is projected to rise 9%), according to a survey by Equity Research.