Department Store

Abilene, Kan. -- Alco Stores said Thursday that it has promoted Ricardo Clemente to senior VP, human resources, store operations and loss prevention.

Clemente joined the chain in 2011 as a district manager, most recently serving as VP stores and human resources.

Los Angeles -- Guess? reported Thursday that adjusted net earnings for the quarter ended May 4 plummeted 56.1% to $11.7 million, from $26.6 million in the year-ago period.

According to CEO Paul Marciano, the results were better than the company had expected.

"Despite the continued global economic challenges … these earnings reflect the ongoing success within the company to globally streamline and improve productivity,” he said.

New York – Anthony Ludru has been named senior VP of North America by Tiffany & Co.

Ledru, 40, has luxury industry experience including with Cartier in Latin America and the U.S., as well as serving as global VP of sales with Harry Winston International.

“As a member of the senior management team, Anthony will drive sales results in our largest region, composed of the United States and Canada, while contributing a key voice to the articulation of the global brand.,” said Tiffany executive VP Frederic Cumenal.

New York -- Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. reported better-than-expected net income of $101.1 million, compared with a year-earlier profit of $43.6 million, on strong demand for its products around the globe.

Retail net sales increased 58.8% to $272.7 million driven by a 36.7% increase in comparable store sales and 67 net new store openings since the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.

Wholesale net sales increased 59.4% to $304.7 million and licensing revenue increased 15.7% to $19.8 million.

Fort Myers, Fla. – Chico's reported a lower-than-expected profit of $51.1 million for the first quarter, excluding non-recurring acquisition and integration costs related to its Boston Proper acquisition, versus a profit of $54 million in year-ago period.

Sales rose 3% to $670.7 million, up 3% from $650.8 million last year. Chico’s, which operates its namesake stores, as well as the Soma Intimates and White House | Black Market chains, attributed much of this boost to the opening of 114 net new stores in the past year.

Toronto -- Loft, a division of Ann Inc., is expanding in Canada, with four new stores by the end of fall 2013.

Loft entered Canada last November, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The chain will open a store in Toronto Eaton Centrer, Toronto, in late May, followed by additional units at Lime Ridge Mall in Hamilton in July, Markville Shopping Centre in Markham in August and Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga in October.

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Chico FAS's comparable sales for the first quarter ended May 4 were flat compared to a nearly 10% increase in last year's first quarter, thanks to an unusually cool spring and the cycling of strong comparable sales last year.

Cincinnati – As part of its annual Executive Development Program (EDP) and summer internship program, Macy’s Inc. has hired more than 1,000 college students this spring. Hires include 695 recent college graduates for full-time EDP positions, which serve as entry-level executive training positions.

In addition, 325 current college students have been hired for a variety of internships with Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.