Strategy

Hibbett Sports says strong expense control and footwear sales helped the retailer increase earnings in the third quarter.

The Alabama-based sporting goods retailer reported that for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, profit was $18.7 million, or 79 cents a share, up from $16.9 million, or 67 cents, a year earlier. Revenue increased 4.6% to $228.3 million. Same-store sales increased .6%.

Fresh Market’s new CEO Rick Anicetti said he is making changes as fast as possible to restore growth to a retailer he contends has enormous untapped potential.

Gordmans Stores ended its same-store sales dry spell and successfully launched an e-commerce site in the third quarter, leaving CEO Andy Hall upbeat about the company’s prospects.

Gordmans, operator of 102 off price department stores, said same-store sales increased 0.8% and total sales increased 4.9% to $153.9 million in the third quarter ended Oct. 31. The company also noted that gross margin improved 50 basis points to 44.4% due to reduced markdown activity.

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%.

Walmart on Friday named George Riedl as senior VP, president Walmart health and wellness, reporting to Michelle Gloeckler, Walmart executive VP consumables and health and wellness.

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

There is a new lifestyle publication in circulation — and it’s the product of two diverse companies.

Real estate developer Simon has joined with media company Conde Nast to produce a 98-page publication – Simon Magazine – designed to provide readers with the latest must-haves and must-dos, from fashion and beauty to dining and travel. It’s the first time Conde Nast has worked with a brand to create custom editorial content on such a wide scale.

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%.