Buckle

New York -- With only a few exceptions, retailers are posting solid gains in May, with such chains as Target, TJX, Ross and TJX Cos. beating Wall Street forecasts for the month. The Thomson Reuters Same-Store Index, which tracks the stores that release monthly sales reports, is expected to rise 3.6% in May.

"Analysts are taking a careful approach to May same-store sales given the cautious tone issued by most retailers on second-quarter earnings guidance," said Ken Perkins of Retail Metrics, in a research report.

Kearney, Neb. -- The Buckle Inc. reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 increased 13% to $37.8 million, compared with $33.5 million in the year-ago period, as shoppers spent more in the teen retailer’s stores and online.

Sales climbed 10% to $263.8 million, matching Wall Street estimates, and same-store sales rose 7.4%.

Online revenues surged 15% in the period.

New York -- Many apparel retailers and department stores registered solid gains in March, as an early spring brought out shoppers looking for seasonal merchandise earlier than they typically would. Last month was the warmest March in North America in more than 50 years, according to weather data provider Planalytics.

Macy’s, Kohl’s Corp., Limited Brands and Gap Inc. were among the retailers who topped analyst estimates.

Kearney, Neb. -- The Buckle Inc. said Thursday its fiscal fourth-quarter net income rose a better-than-expected 13% to $56.1 million amid higher same-store sales and growing online demand.

Revenue rose 11% to $337.1 million from $303.1 million. Same-store sales increased 8%. Online sales, which are not included in that total surged 31% to $27.6 million.

Buckle, which also sells tops, shoes and other clothing, caters to teens.

Retailers across the board saw increased sales in February, thanks to unseasonably warm weather and increased consumer confidence that got shoppers out of their house and into the stores.

In a month that was solid overall, the discount sector showed its muscle, turning in a strong February same-store sales performance nearly across the board.

New York -- Most apparel retailers topped Wall Street estimates in February, as rising temperatures boosted sales, while increased consumer confidence and Valentine’s Day also helped boost spending, according to the Thomson Reuters Same Store Sales Index.

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement to continue providing private label credit card services to The Buckle, Kearney, Neb., which operates more than 430 stores in 43 states, as well as a robust e-commerce business.

Buckle cardholders will continue to earn "B-Reward" points with every purchase. Exclusive to cardholders, the B-Rewards points-based loyalty program allows cardholders to accumulate points that can be redeemed for dollars-off certificates for in-store or online purchases.

New York City -- The nation’s apparel retailers reported mixed results for January as shoppers remain cautious about spending in the uncertain economy.

“It was as tough month as retailers battled holiday hangover, lack of incentive to shop and mild winter that killed outerwear clearance," said Ken Perkins, president of RetailMetrics Inc., in a Reuters report.

As the first month of the year, January accounts for only 20% November-January sales, and 7% of annual sales, according to RetailMetrics.