Winter Holidays

Big Lots continued to see positive results from the steps it has taken to improve its business in the first quarter, with the retailer posting increases in profit and sales.

Same store sales rose by 1.6% in the first quarter ended May 2, reflecting better performance in its remaining stores, and income from continuing operations jumped by 13% to $32.3 million, producing earnings of $0.60 per share, beating estimates by a penny.

Zaandam, Netherlands – Global grocery conglomerate Ahold N.V. had a successful first quarter of fiscal 2015, reporting growth in overall net income and in U.S. market share. Net income more than quadrupled to $230.74 million from $54.16 million, aided by the elimination of discontinued operations from the same period a year earlier.

Weddings are becoming increasingly pet-friendly, and a new collection from Martha Stewart and PetSmart aims to leverage that trend.

The pet products retailer has announced it will be teaming up with Martha Stewart Pets on a wedding collection for dogs.

Birmingham, Ala. – Hibbett Sports Inc. cane up short of Wall Street expectations for earnings and revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Hibbett reported net income of $27.4 million, down 3% from $28.4 million a year earlier.

Increases in store operating, selling and administrative expenses, as well as depreciation and amortization, fueled the decline in profit. Net sales grew 3% to $269.8 million from $261.9 million, while same-store sales dropped 0.9%.

Evansville, Ind. – Shoe Carnival Inc. saw net income and sales increase during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 as selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses and cost of sales rose at a slower pace than revenues.

Net income totaled $10.4 million, up 8% from $9.2 million the same period a year earlier.

Net sales increased 7% to $252.77 million, from $235.77 million. Same-store sales climbed 3%.

Houston – Stage Stores Inc. beat Wall Street expectations with a loss but missed with decidedly revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The retailer reported net loss of $8.64 million, an improvement from a net loss of $18.79 million the same quarter a year earlier.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s Corp. exceeded Wall Street expectations for profit but missed analysts’ expectations with its sales and same-store sales performance during a mixed first quarter of fiscal 2015.

Net income climbed 2% to $127 million from $125 million in the year-earlier period, aided by improved expense management.

Five Below is accelerating its expansion plans with the opening of three new stores in Kansas City this week.

"Entering the Kansas City metro area and opening our first store in Kansas, our 24th state, is very exciting as we continue to grow our footprint across the country," said Joel Anderson, CEO of Five Below. "We're thrilled to develop new relationships with customers in this dynamic market. Kids and parents looking for a fun place to shop for trend-right, high quality products at a great value will surely enjoy Five Below."