Retail

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter rose to $15.9 million from $14.3 million in 2010.

Sales edged up 0.8% to $303.5 million, and same-store sales increased 1.5%.

The retailer said it is increasing its plan for capital expenditure in 2011 by $5 million to a range of $30 to $35 million. Stein Mart said the increased spending is for POS hardware in all stores toward increasing operational efficiency.

U.S. Preventive Medicine's new version of a health management solution for small businesses now is available at Sam's Club.

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.
 

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 30 rose 4% to $29.1 million, compared with $27.9 million a year earlier. The retailer cited better product assortment, strong online sales and inventory-control efforts for the improved performance.

Children’s Place also increased the low end of its full-year earnings outlook range, but its 2011 and second-quarter forecasts missed Wall Street's expectations.

So maybe the Walmart U.S. isn’t lighting things up on the same-store sales front just yet; the division did manage to grow total sales by 0.6% to $62.7 billion and increase operating profits by 0.8% to $4.65 billion. This despite the fact that division president and CEO Bill Simon noted the paycheck cycle remains pronounced, and higher year-over-year gas prices are eating into the disposable income of the company’s core shoppers who are consolidating trips.

New York City – Aeropostale reported Thursday that net income for the first quarter decreased 64% to $16.4 million, compared to $45.4 million last year.

Revenue rose 1% to $469.2 million, from $463.6 million. Same-store sales decreased 7%.

The company opened nine Aeropostale and seven P.S. from Aeropostale stores, and closed one Aeropostale store during the quarter.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended May 1 jumped 62% to $31.6 million, from $19.5 million a year earlier, topping company expectations.

Revenue rose 7.4% to $770.8 million, better than expected.

Same-store sales, which includes direct-to-consumer revenue, rose 9%. Same-store sales rose 3.1% at the namesake brand, 7.9% at Pottery Barn and a record 11% at Pottery Barn Kids.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma reported that net income for the quarter ended May 1 jumped 62% to $31.6 million, from $19.5 million a year earlier, topping company expectations.

Revenue rose 7.4% to $770.8 million, better than expected.

Same-store sales, which includes direct-to-consumer revenue, rose 9%. Same-store sales rose 3.1% at the namesake brand, 7.9% at Pottery Barn and a record 11% at Pottery Barn Kids.