Department Store

Seattle — Nordstrom Inc. is entering the haute couture space with the introduction of SPACE, a new shop curated by Olivia Kim, director of creative projects. SPACE will offer products from emerging and advanced designers.

On the heels of announcing accelerated plans for expansion in the Northeast and Midwest, Stein Mart has reported impressive sales results for the second quarter.

The Florida-based off-price retailer reported net income of $4.1 million, up 58% from $1.7 million the prior year quarter. Sa,e store sales rose by 3%. Net sales rose 4% to $311.58 million from $298.16 million.

L Brands Inc. continues to elude the troubles that have plagued other mall retailers, as the company reported a spike in same store sales.

The parent company of Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret said earnings per share for the second quarter ended Aug. 1 increased 8% to 68 cents compared to 63 cents for the quarter ended Aug. 2, 2014. Net income was $202.5 million compared to $188.4 million last year. Same store sales increased 4%.

Houston — Stage Stores Inc. plans to close 90 underperforming stores, representing 4% of total sales, after a disappointing second quarter that missed Wall Street expectations for profit and revenue. The retailer expects the closures to enhance its capital efficiency, deliver higher productivity and be accretive to earnings.

The 90 closings include 27 stores expected to be shut down during fiscal 2015. Stage also plans to open three new stores during the fiscal year.

Dallas — Neiman Marcus Group is giving customers a unique perspective in the dressing room. According to VentureBeat, three Neiman Marcus stores in Dallas, San Francisco and Walnut Creek, California are piloting the MemoryMirror solution from Palo Alto-based startup Memomi.

Saks Fifth Avenue's New York flagship is targeting upscale shoe lovers with a historic partnership.

The CEO of Citi Trends says well-managed inventories and improved merchandising helped the company deliver strong sales growth in the second quarter.

Columbus, Ohio — L Brands Inc. met Wall Street expectations with profit and revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income grew 7% to $202.48 million from $188.36 million the same period a year earlier.

The cost of goods sold rose at a slower rate than net sales, helping boost profits. Net sales grew 4% to $2.76 billion from $2.67 billion. Same-store sales rose 3% overall, with the Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works banners both posting a 3% same-store sales lift.