Apparel

New York -- Ann Inc. reported that its second quarter net income rose a better-than-expected 16% to $35.6 million, with strong performances from both its Ann Taylor and Loft banners. Similar to many other retailers in recent weeks, the chain trimmed its full-year revenue forecast.

Revenue for the period ended Aug. 3 increased 7% to $638.2 million.
 
Same-store sales rose 2.8%, with a 3.1% rise at Ann Taylor and a 2.5% lift at Loft.

New York -- Foot Locker's second-quarter net income increased 12%, partly due to a recent acquisition. (In July, the retailer completed its purchase of German athletic store chain Runners Point Group for $94 million.)

For the period ended Aug. 3, the company earned $66 million, compared to $59 million a year ago. Its results were in line with expectations.

Revenue rose 6.4% to $1.45 billion from $1.37 billion, in line with expectations. Same-store sales rose 1.8%.

San Francisco -- A resurgent Gap Inc. reported that its second quarter profit jumped 25% on strong sales of denim and other goods at its namesake and Old Navy brands. And bucking a trend set by other retailers, the company raised its full-year earnings guidance. Gap also detailed upcoming expansion plans.

The National Retail Federation definition of September 2013 shifts the month one week later in the calendar when compared to 2012. This shift introduces a significant cooler bias in the forecast. Therefore, while the nation on a year-on-year basis trends cooler, most of that will be due to a calendar shift and not a change in the weather. Conditions are expected to be similar to 2012 when the shift is removed.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hibbett Sports reported a weaker-than-expected comparable-store sales increase of 0.3% for the second quarter ended Aug. 3, compared to a 4.8% increase in the prior-year period.

Last year's second quarter benefited from the extra week in the fiscal calendar which resulted in approximately $12 million of sales.

NEW YORK — Despite experiencing some challenges, particularly in the U.S., Foot Locker reported a comparable-store sales of 1.8% for the second quarter ended Aug. 3.

Russell Athletic brand deployed its brand ambassador and Washington wide receiver Pierre Garcon to three Washington, D.C.-area high schools. Garcon delivered Russell Athletic uniforms to the school's respective football teams.

The teams selected were from Thomas Jefferson (Alexandra, Va.), Theodore Roosevelt (Washington, D.C.) and Springbrook (Silver Spring, Md.).

NEW YORK — The Tommy Hilfiger Group enlisted actor Josh Bowman and professional surfers Kalani Robb, C.J. Kanuha and Alek Parker to participate in Autism Society San Diego's annual summer surf camp.

In June, Josh Bowman and Kalani Robb, along with Gary Sheinbaum, CEO, Tommy Hilfiger North America and InStyle Magazine fashion director Cindy Weber-Cleary, co-hosted the opening event for the newest Tommy Hilfiger store opening in San Diego’s Fashion Valley Mall, benefitting the Autism Society San Diego.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s has unveiled a line of athletic apparel and accessories called Tek Gear, from the Kohl’s Cares cause merchandise program, and 100% of the net profit will go to support the fight against breast cancer.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. reported that its second-quarter net income increased 48%, helped by higher same-store sales. The retailer also announced that the SEC is conducting an investigation related to Stein Mart's restatement of prior years' financial statements and its change in its auditors.

For the quarter ended Aug. 3, Stein Mart earned $3.4 million up from $2.3 million in the same quarter of 2012.

Revenue increased 4%, to $291 million from $280.4 million. Same-store sales rose 6.4%.