Apparel

New York City -- A sluggish economy, cool weather and high prices at the pump tempered retail sales in May, as retailers reported mixed results for the month. Retail Metrics projected an increase of 5.1% for the 25 chains tracked, which would mark the 21st straight monthly gain from September 2009.

Among the May standouts was Costco Wholesale Corp., with a 13% rise in same-store sales. Analysts were expecting an 11.2% increase. However, without gasoline sales and beneficial foreign exchange rates, Costco’s same-store sales would have been 7%.

CINCINNATI — The day before most retailers report monthly results, Macy’s said Wednesday that same-store sales climbed 7.4% in May and total revenue rose 8.5% to $1.94 billion.

The department store operator also raised its expectations for the second quarter, saying it now expects second quarter same-store revenue to climb about 5%. Its prior forecast called for an approximately 4% increase.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Disney Consumer Products has created a new line of branded baby products, the first of which is an infant bodysuit made of 100% cotton. The Disney "Cuddly Bodysuit" comes with a second row of snaps that allow the bodysuit to “grow” with baby, available on Amazon.com/DisneyBaby this month and at select retailers this fall, the company reported.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif.  — Leading footwear retailer Skechers USA has announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Street Flyers LLC to produce sporting goods and safety gear collections for children and young adults. Both collections are planned to launch in toy and mass market retailers throughout the United States and Canada in spring 2012.

Watsonville, Calif. -- West Marine will open the biggest store in the company's history, a 50,000-sq.-ft flagship in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Due to open by yearend, the store will be twice as big as the company's current largest location and will be focused on serving both local and seasonal boating customers.

New York City -- Capital spending for the retail industry is expected to increase 16% in 2011 to $42.5 billion, with all sub-segments projecting double-digit percentage increases (except for mass merchants, whose growth is projected to rise 9%), according to a survey by Equity Research.

Cincinnati -- The day before most retailers report monthly results, Macy’s said Wednesday that same-store sales climbed 7.4% in May and total revenue rose 8.5% to $1.94 billion.

The department store operator also raised its expectations for the second quarter, saying it now expects second quarter same-store revenue to climb about 5%. Its prior forecast called for an approximately 4% increase.

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday that its first-quarter net income increased 12.7% to $17.8 million, compared with $15.8 million in the prior year.

Total sales increased 8.5% to $193.3 million, from $178.1 million. Same-store sales edged up 0.1%.
 

NEW YORK — Barneys New York has announced that its e-commerce website, Barneys.com (www.Barneys.com), has introduced international shipping to 90 countries including Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China.

According to Barneys, international customers will be able to make payments on Barneys.com in their preferred currency with cost-effective international shipping and handling services.  

Midwestern department store operator Gordman’s Stores was putting up some big numbers last year, and then in early August it decided to go public. Things are not looking quite as good of late, with first quarter comps weaker than planned and guidance for the remainder of the year lowered.