Department Store

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. reported Thursday that its loss for the quarter ended Oct. 31 widened to $218 million, compared with a loss of $127 million in the year-ago period. The loss was more than analysts expected as margins fell and sales dropped, especially at the company's namesake stores.

"While Kmart improved profitability, our third-quarter results were disappointing, in large part due to lower sales of apparel and appliances at Sears," said interim CEO W. Bruce Johnson.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 30 was $4.3 million, compared with net income of $3.2 million a year earlier.

Net sales were $267.9 million, a decrease of 0.9% from $270.2 million in 2009. Same-store sales increased 0.3% for the quarter.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Ross Stores reported Thursday earnings for the quarter ended Oct. 30 rose 16% to a record $121.4 million, compared with $105.1 million in the year-ago period.

Sales increased 7% to $1.874 billion, with same-store sales up 3% on top of a strong 8% gain in the prior year.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma reported Thursday that net income for the third quarter rose to $36.5 million, up from $7.3 million.

The company, which runs Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn, also recorded a 12% revenue rise to $816 million, beating Wall Street expectations of $799.5 million.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended Oct. 30 was $33 million, compared with $59.2 million in the year-ago period. The drop was largely a result of investment losses and a prior-year tax benefit, and masked growth in sales and margins.

Total sales for the quarter increased to $752 million, compared with $736 million last year.

Same-store sales increased 1%.

Charlotte, N.C. -- The Cato Corp. reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 30 surged 123% to $6.7 million, compared with net income of $3 million for the third quarter ended October 31, 2009.

Sales increased 4% to $198 million, compared with $191 million for the year-ago period.

Same-store sales for the quarter increased 2%.

The retailer operated 1,281 stores in 31 states, compared with 1,291 stores in 31 states as of October 31, 2009.