Apparel

New York -- Helped by hot weather and clearance sales, many retailers reported solid results in July, a month that can be a tepid lead-up to the back-to-school shopping season.

Some of the strongest showings in the month were in the department store category, as those reporting all showed July gains.

Macy’s led the pack with a 4.1% same-store sales rise. Total sales increased 5.1% to $1.7 billion over the four-week period.

CHICAGO — Claire's Stores announced that Jay Friedman, president of Claire's Stores North America, has resigned effective immediately. Claire's has commenced a search with the executive recruiting firm of Spencer Stuart to fill the open position.  Until a replacement is appointed, James Fielding, Claire's CEO, will assume Mr. Friedman's duties.

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters is raising its EPS outlook, thanks to stronger than expected sales for the second quarter.

The company's new second quarter outlook calls for earnings per share of 19 cents to 21 cents. Previous guidance called for EPS between 13 cents and 15 cents.

Net sales for the second quarter increased 11% to $740 million compared with $669 million last year. Comparable-store sales increased 9%, including sales from AEO direct.

ATLANTA — Foot Locker has rolled out retail technology provider RedPrairie's Enterprise Work force Management (EWFM) solution at approximately 2,700 retail stores throughout North America. Foot Locker, which operates retail brands Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction, CCS, and Champs Sports, partnered with RedPrairie to help enable store associates to offer exceptional, highly interactive customer service.

New York -- American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Wednesday it was raising its second quarter earnings outlook because of stronger-than-expected sales.

The specialty retailer expects adjusted second-quarter earnings of 19 cents to 21 cents a share, compared with its previous estimate of 13 cents to 15 cents a share.
 

DODGEVILLE, Wis. — Lands’ End has named Michael Rosera as chief operating and finance officer. In his role he is responsible for accounting, financial reporting, legal, information technology and integrated company planning. As the leader of finance and operations and a member of the executive team, Rosera reports directly to Edgar Huber, CEO and president of Lands’ End.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Big 5 Sporting Goods is seeing the positive effects of its merchandising and marketing strategies, with its first positive quarterly comps increase since the third quarter of 2010. The company reported a same-store sales gain of 1% for its 2012 second quarter ended July 1.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — HSN Inc. reported that total sales for the company grew 6% to $767.2 million for the second quarter. Sales at the company's HSN segment increased 4% to $501.9 million, including 8% growth in digital sales. Cornerstone's net sales increased 11% to $265.3 million, including 17% growth in digital sales.

Adjusted EPS increased 10% to 67 cents compared with 61 cents in the prior year. GAAP income from continuing operations per diluted share increased 13% to 61 cents compared with 54 cents in the prior year.