Strategy

Kearney, Neb. -- The Buckle reported Thursday that net income for the third quarter was $34.4 million, compared with a profit of $33.3 million a year earlier.

Net sales increased 5.2% to $243.3 million, from net sales of $231.2 million for the prior year.

Same-store sales edged up 0.5%.

Buckle currently operates 422 retail stores in 41 states.

New York City -- Barnes & Noble's shareholders on Wednesday ratified a shareholder rights plan that prevents an outside investor from acquiring 20% or more of the company's shares without board approval. 

Preliminary results show 72% of shareholders voted in favor of the plan at a special shareholder meeting in New York. The plan limits shareholder stakes to 20%, finally making the so-called "poison pill" official.

San Francisco -- Continuing its global expansion, Gap announced a franchise agreement to introduce its namesake Gap brand in South America. The first Gap store is expected to open in Santiago, Chile, in the Parque Arauco mall, in September 2011.

Gap has signed a franchise agreement with Komax, for exclusive rights to operate Gap brand stores in Chile. Komax will purchase merchandise from Gap and must adhere to the company’s quality standards.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a  Nordstrom Rack in Orange, Calif. The 35,000-sq.-ft. store will be located at The Block at Orange and is expected to open in spring 2012.

"We are very excited to move forward with our new store at The Block at Orange," said Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack "This is one of the area's top shopping destinations and a terrific opportunity for us to better serve our loyal OC customers."

Chesapeake, Va. -- Dollar Tree announced that it has completed its purchase of the assets of  Dollar Giant Store Ltd, which is based in Vancouver, B.C. The purchase is Dollar Tree’s first expansion of its retail operations outside of the United States.

Dollar Giant stores offer a wide assortment of quality general merchandise, contemporary seasonal goods and everyday consumables, all priced at $1.25 (CAD) or less. The stores average 9,000 sq. ft. and operate in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan.