Footwear

New York – Foot Locker Inc. had a successful first quarter of fiscal 2014, with rising sales driving solid net income performance. Net income grew 17% to $162 million, from $138 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Net sales rose 14% to $1.87 billion, from $1.64 billion. Same-store sales climbed 7.6%.

New York – New York & Company Inc. swung to a net loss of $300,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 from net income of $1.6 million in the first quarter of the previous fiscal year. Net sales were $219.6 million, down 4% from $227.5 million, and same-store sales declined 2.2%.

Evansville, Ind. – Shoe Carnival Inc. reported a 3% year-over-year drop in net income to $9.2 million, from $9.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. The retailer plans to open 23-28 new stores in fiscal 2014, including 16 in the second quarter and seven-to-12 in the fourth quarter.

Shoe Carnival’s net sales grew 1.5% to $235.8 million, from $232.3 million.

Foot Locker is off to a great start in 2014. The specialty athletic retailer’s first quarter sales and profits were the highest in its history for the third consecutive year.

Net income for the quarter ended May 3 was $162 million, or $1.10 per share, compared with net income of $138 million, or $0.90 per share, last year. Total net sales increased 14%, to $1.9 billion this year, compared with sales of $1.6 billion for the corresponding prior-year period. Comparable-store sales increased 7.6%.

Strong demand in Hibbett Sports’ core footwear and brand-focused apparel business helped drive sales in the first quarter. The sporting goods retailer opened a record number of new stores and fully converted operations to its new wholesale and logistics facility, but it’s not done growing its footprint in fiscal 2015.

Severe weather may have taken a bite out of Shoe Carnival’s same-store sales, but the retailer still plans on opening 23 to 28 new stores in fiscal 2014, including 16 in the second quarter and seven to 12 in the fourth quarter.

The company reported a 3% year-over-year drop in net income to $9.2 million, from $9.5 million in the prior-year quarter. Net sales increased 1.5% to $235.8 million, from $232.3 million in the prior-year quarter. Same-store sales declined 1.7%

Secaucus, N.J. – The Children’s Place Retail Stores Inc. saw net income and sales fall during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to the same quarter a year earlier. The company plans to open 25 new North American stores, 10 fewer than originally planned, and close 35 stores for a net reduction of 10 stores during the fiscal year.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. is going to increase its focus on female customers. In a conference call with analysts discussing the company’s first quarter financial results, CEO Ed Stack said that the women’s segment has the most growth potential of any segment Dick’s targets.

New York - Cole Haan is opening The Driver Shop in six retail locations, offering personalization of the driving moccasin with several accessories in dozens of colors. In stores, accessories are available at stations where on-site "mechanics" will outfit Cole Haan Drivers to customer specifications by appointment or while customers wait, or they can return later to pick them up.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. reported healthy net income and sales growth during the first quarter of fiscal 2014, compared to the same period a year earlier. Net income rose 8% to $69.98 million from $64.82 million, while net sales increased 8% to $1.44 billion from $1.33 billion.