Apparel

Genesco Q4 earnings rise despite pretax items
Nashville, Tenn. – A variety of pretax items, including network intrusion expenses and a lease termination, helped limit fourth quarter net earnings growth at Genesco Inc. to a level below company expectations. However, net income still rose 19% to $50.4 million from $42.15 million the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.

Net sales increased 13% to $893 million from $793 million. Same-store sales increased 10%.
Stein Mart succeeds in Q4; opening 11 stores
Jacksonville, Fla. – Stein Mart Inc. had a generally successful fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 and plans to open 11 new stores, close two stores and relocate one store during fiscal 2015. The off-price retailer reported net income of $12.3 million, up 66% from $7.4 million the same quarter a year earlier and driven by higher gross profit and lower selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses.

Net sales rose 7% to $387 million, from $360.79 million. Same-store sales increased 5.6%.

Simon names 10 disruptive finalists in disruptive technologies competition

New York – Retail real estate firm Simon, in partnership with fashion and retail event company Decoded Fashion, has announced the 10 finalists in its "Future of Retail: Meet the Disruptors" competition. The competition's mission is to discover startups in retail or retail-related technologies whose innovations will enhance the shopping experience for future generations.

The finalists, all innovative startups in retail or retail-related technologies, are:
JoS. A. Bank weighs on Men's Wearhouse in Q4

The acquisition of JoS. A. Bank is weighing on the financials at Men’s Wearhouse, which posted a decline in profits for the fourth quarter.

Men’s Wearhouse reported a quarterly loss of $35.9 million, or $0.75 per share, versus a year-ago loss of $30.4 million, or $0.64 per share. Excluding non-operating items, the company lost $0.03 per share, versus a year-ago loss of $0.38 per share. Its net sales surged 66% to $928.4 million.
Stein Mart growing same store sales, footprint

Off-price retailer Stein Mart is poised for expansion as stronger traffic in the holiday quarter helped the company post an increase in same store sales.
Juicy Couture aims to re-take 'athleisure' market

Before Lululemon and many others started selling "athleisure" apparel, Juicy Couture started the trend in the 1990s. Now the brand and retailer plans a comeback.

The company says it expects to open 133 stores (through its various licensing partners) during the next five years, according to Women's Wear Daily. Juicy will open 31 international locations in eight countries this year, the report said. Three of the countries — India, South Africa and Azerbaijan — will be new market entries for the brand.
Genesco profits rise, but less than expected

Genesco Inc. cited construction expenses and currency pressures as reasons for the company’s weaker-than-expected fourth quarter earnings.

The company posted earnings from continuing operations of $51.8 million, or $2.18 per diluted share, for the quarter ended Jan. 31. The numbers are an improvement from the year-ago period, which saw earnings from continuing operations of $42.2 million or $1.79 per diluted share.
Bon-Ton to focus on expansion, omnichannel

Bon-Ton plans to refocus the brand, expand omnichannel efforts and open an e-commerce fulfillment center on the heels of a successful fourth quarter.

The company saw an increase in net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 to $71.7 million, up 17% from net income of $61.3 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.
Children's Place increases store closures

The Children’s Place Inc. on Thursday accelerated its store closing plans to 200 stores through 2017 (including 76 stores closed in 2013 and 2014), up from its previous announced target of 125 stores through 2016.
Juicy Couture plans global expansion

New York -- Juicy Couture, which was acquired by Authentic Brands Group in 2013, may no longer be a coveted brand in the United States, but it is still has great appeal in foreign markets. The company expects to open 133 stores (through its various licensing partners) during the next five years, according to Women's Wear Daily.

Juicy will open 31 international locations in eight countries this year, the report said. Three of the countries — India, South Africa and Azerbaijan — will be new market entries for the brand.
Brown Shoe’s Q4 profit rises; cautious in outlook

Clayton, Mo. -- Increased sales at its Famous Footwear division and the sale of its shoes.com online site, helped boost Brown Shoe Company’ profit in the fourth quarter.

The retailer reported net earnings of $16.2 million, which included adjustments related to the sale of Shoes.com, compared with $6.2 million in the year-ago period. Adjusted net earnings were $9 million.

Consolidated net sales in the quarter, ended Jan. 31, totaled $615.4 million, up 2.6% from year-ago period. Same-store sales increased 4%.
REI opens at Mansell Crossing

Alpharetta, Ga. -- Brixmor Property Group announced the opening of a 24,000-sq.-ft. REI at Mansell Crossing in Alpharetta, Georgia. This is the fifth Atlanta-area location for the national outdoor retailer.