Finance & Capital Management

Ross Stores joined rival off-price retailer TJX in avoiding the weak traffic trends that have plagued other retailers in the third quarter, as shoppers continue to be attracted to value-priced merchandise.

Ross Stores reported that earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended Oct. 31 increased 15% to 53 cents on net earnings that rose 12% to $216 million. Sales for the fiscal 2015 third quarter grew 7% to $2.783 billion, with same store sales up 3%.

A steep profit decline and deteriorating sales at two of Gap Inc.’s three flagship formats in the third quarter have CEO Art Peck looking ahead to what he expects to be better times.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Thursday welcomed a <a href="http://email.prnewswire.com/wf/click?upn=uefwbvtS7tB-2BrQMPmejiN4fTeYquc3oBa2KlQm0WlEyxQZnrWbSSmbDeaQc3u1U-2BV326b96v8efIzWwvTp88Px8z9SYhH0tfZoMcXNV4A6c-3D_4IBsk1o2j7dj6HmhC-2FQ7Vkc6PF15rC46rSHZ95WWe0BYx0l3bKauNZIqcTP8E6CfMkBbWsId11awP5VfunZkXaoKziYNajexreYN2PVnS2-2F3K0J9UttAaj-2BVkf6HqqxzLJP6nBDUCKhyXtEvKzBRNdQYDe69VHFGzBXxzYf7Y5D6Axcllx2-2BZ5H16Urhk1r1NUgovJOBSXfTM-2B2DBdmPfSZDfgWBANhS5CqPKfUwnHt855CITvWIkWaOqCIRoKi1sI-2BOrVTiJM9UUjbhTEU8tI70NIY8C5D8q9iXO3Jwgr-2BUixP5mBtqgZQpz0XiIrxoPNfhBTtXAi659Mbw-2FBSoxQ-3D-3D" tar

Leading mall-based denim retailer The Buckle said its third quarter profits fell after strengthening online sales couldn’t overcome in store weakness.

Profits at the operator of 469 stores, billed as a denim destination, declined to $35.9 million, or 74 cents a share, during the third quarter ended Oct. 31, compared to $40.6 million, or 84 cents a share, during the third quarter the prior year. The profit decline was expected as The Buckle had previously reported that same-store sales had declined 5.2% and total sales had declined 4.1% to $280.2 million.

The Bon-Ton says it is focusing on reducing expenses after a third quarter in which the retailer tripled its net loss and decreased same-store sales.

For the quarter ended Oct. 31, the Pa.-based retailer had a net loss of $34 million ($1.72 a share), compared to a net loss of $11 million (57 cents a share) in the 2014 quarter. Revenue totaled $623.4 million, down from $642.7 million in third quarter 2014. Same-store sales declined 2.6%.

(Photos courtesy of Toys 'R' Us)

Stein Mart says warm weather is to blame for its lackluster performance in the third quarter as the company makes plans to increase promotions to improve its top-line growth.

The off-price retailer said that for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same-store sales fell 2.3%. Total sales also dropped 1% to $300.7 million during the same time period. Profits dipped to $82.2 million, or 27.3% of sales compared to $84.6 million or 27.8% of sales during the same time period in 2014.

After reporting a sales decline and third quarter loss, Stage Stores offered a unique explanation due the location of its 847 stores.

The company’s sales and same store sales both declined 3.5% and a net loss of $9.4 million equated to an earnings per share loss of 29 cents, compared to a prior year earnings per share loss of 16 cents.

A specialty retailer that is defined by consistent same-store increases for the past three quarters, an over-the-top televised fashion show and loyal customers who still love its in-store experience has chalked up another record quarter.

L Brands, the parent company of Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works, kept its winning streak going in the third quarter ended Oct. 31. Same-store sales increased 7%. Net sales rose 7% to $2.48 billion.

Net income rose 24.4% to a better-than-expected $164 million, compared to $131.8 million last year.

The CEO of Kirkland's blamed disappointing third quarter sales on traffic problems that he expects to persist into the fourth quarter despite the busy holiday season ahead.