Apparel

New York -- Tiffany & Co.’s fourth-quarter net income inched up 0.7%, but its results still topped analysts’ predictions as strong demand in Asia helped to offset domestic weakness. The company also offered an annual sales outlook that topped analysts' estimates, citing its strong prospects in most Asian markets.
    
For the quarter ended Jan. 31, Tiffany earned $179.6 million, compared with $178.4 million in the year-ago period. Revenue increased 4% to $1.24 billion.
     

Warrendale, Pa. -- Teen fashion retailer Rue21 opened its 900th store on March 21, in the Southern Hills Shopping Center of West Plains, Missouri. The company also reported that its fourth quarter income increased 16% on strong sales.

CHICAGO — Claire's Stores reported net sales of $493.4 million for the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter, an increase of $58.5 million, or 13.4% compared with the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter. 

During fiscal 2012 fourth quarter, the company entered two new countries, opening three stores in China and two stores in Italy.

Consolidated same-store sales increased 5.4% for the quarter, with North America same-store sales increasing 5.9%, and Europe same-store sales increasing 4.4%.  

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Pacific Sunwear of California announced that net sales from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 ended Feb. 2, were $228 million versus net sales from continuing operations of $218.7 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 ended Jan. 28, 2012.

Comparable-store sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 increased 1%.  

The company ended fiscal 2012 with 644 stores, compared with 733 as of the end of fiscal 2011. The company closed 78 stores in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Off price retailer Ross Stores achieved record fourth quarter sales and earnings and expects to deliver more of the same in 2013 thanks to an unwavering commitment to offering great bargains.

Sales for the 14 week fourth quarter ended February 2, increased 15% to $2.76 billion when compared to the prior year’s 13 week fourth quarter. Same store sales advanced 5% on top of a prior year gain of 7%. Earnings per share for the period increased to $1.07 from 85 cents last year and net income grew to $236.6 million from $192 million.

YORK, Pa. — The Bon-Ton Stores has elected Jeffrey Sherman to its board, effective immediately. Sherman will serve on the human resources and compensation committee.

NEW YORK — According to Capital Business Credit's quarterly Global Retail Manufacturers and Importers Survey, 50% of importers of retail goods are experiencing an increase in orders this spring as compared to last year, while 50% are experiencing a decrease or no change from the previous year. Of those surveyed who are having a stronger spring, the majority are experiencing growth between three and 10%.

Allow me to be the group historian for a minute. Does anyone remember, in 1984, the "Crafted with Pride in the U.S.A." advertising campaign, spearheaded by the late Roger Milliken, and funded by a consortium of fiber, chemical and textile companies? This was supposed to have instilled enough patriotism in the consumer to buy goods made in America at a furious enough rate to keep manufacturing here on our soil.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores Inc. said Thursday its fourth-quarter net income rose 23%, in line with analysts’ projections. The off-price retailer also announced that beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2013 it will no longer report monthly sales. Instead, quarterly same-store store sales results will be provided with regularly scheduled earnings releases.
 

Seattle -- Nordstrom announced plans to open a Nordstrom Rack in Louisville, Ky. The 33,000-sq.-ft. store, at Shelbyville Road Plaza, is scheduled to open in fall 2013 and will be the retailer's first location in the state.

Nordstrom is also expanding its presence in Florida. It will open a Nordstrom Rack at the Shoppes at University Town Center to serve customers in the Sarasota-Bradenton metro area. The approximately 35,000-sq.-ft.store is scheduled to open in fall 2013.