Research Topic

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports Inc. reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended April 30 rose 23% to $21.3 million, compared with $17.3 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue increased 10.4% to $203.7 million, beating analysts’ projected $200.8 million in revenue. 

During the quarter, Hibbett opened eight new stores, expanded four others and closed seven underperforming stores. During the rest of the fiscal year, Hibbett said it expects to open between 50 and 55 new stores, close 10 to 15 stores and expand another 15 stores.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A few days after Dick's Sporting Goods reported higher-than-expected earnings, Hibbett Sports posted even more impressive sales and income growth. Hibbett Sports reported that net sales for the first quarter increased 10.4% to $203.7 million compared with $184.5 million for the same period last year. Comparable-store sales increased 6.8%.

Nashville, Tenn. -- Kirkland's said Friday that its first-quarter net income fell 51% stung by higher expenses, increasing freight costs and competition over price. Its results, however, exceeded Wall Street's expectations.

The company earned $3.2 million for the period ended April 30, down from $6.5 million, a year earlier.

Total operating expenses rose to $29.7 million from $26.7 million.

NEW YORK — Each year, the graduating class of the Master of Professional Studies degree program in cosmetics and fragrance marketing and management at FIT researches and forecasts trends or growth concepts within a specific area of the beauty industry, which they then present to an audience of industry executives.

Target sponsored this year's presentation titled "Beauty For All: Innovations in Mass Retail." On hand to deliver keynote remarks during the event was Will Setliff, VP marketing for Target.

Oakland, Calif. -- Cost Plus reported a narrower loss of $3.4 million for its first quarter, compared with a net loss of $10.3 million for the same period in 2010.

Revenue increased 6% to $199.7 million, from $188.6 million.
 

New York City -- Ann Inc., the operator of Ann Taylor and Loft stores, posted a 21% increase in its fiscal-first-quarter earnings and raised its full-year sales estimate.

For the quarter ended April 30, Ann reported a profit of $27.3 million, up from $22.62 million in the prior-year quarter.

Sales rose almost 10% to $523.6 million, but margins slipped to 57.3%, against 59% last year. Same-store sales rose 7.8%.
 

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended April 30 edged up 1% to $4.2 million.

Revenue increased 1% to $95.8 million from $95 million, missing Wall Street's estimate of $97.4 million. Same-store sales rose 2.2%.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. -- The Wet Seal reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended April 30 rose to $8 million, compared with $3.1 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose to $156 million from $137.8 million. Same-store sales increased 7%.

Wet Seal said it expects eight net new store openings in 2011, with six net openings at Wet Seal and two at Arden B.