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Express plans to close approximately 50 stores during the next 36 months, primarily at the end of their leases, following a weaker-than-expected first quarter.

The company’s profit dropped to $5.08 million, from $32.4 million a year earlier. Sales decreased to $460.7 million, from $509.4 million, while Same-store sales fell 11%.

Columbus, Ohio -- Express Inc. said on Thursday that its fiscal first-quarter profit fell to $5.08 million, from $32.4 million a year earlier. The company also announced it will close approximately 50 stores during the next 36 months, primarily at the end of their leases, even as it ramps up expansion of its of its new outlet-store concept. Express debuted its outlet format this past April.

Washington, D.C. -- Online shopping is showing rapid growth compared to the rest of the retail trade sector, with the number of establishments growing 27.4% between 2011 and 2012, according to new U.S. Census Bureau statistics released today. Drawn from County Business Patterns: 2012, the new data provides the only detailed annual information on the number of establishments, employees and payroll for nearly 1,200 industries at the national, state and county levels.

Los Angeles – Guess on Thursday reported a first-quarter net loss of $2.1 million, compared with net earnings of $9.9 million in the year-ago period, as sales fell in North America and Europe.

"First quarter earnings results were slightly better than our expectations,” said Paul Marciano, CEO. “We delivered revenues within the range of our guidance and managed our expenses tightly.”

Sales fell 4.8% at $522.5 million, compared with $548.9 million in the prior year.

Montreal -- Canadian retailer David’s Tea has named Sylvain Toutant as president and CEO. He will be responsible for all operations at the company and oversee its growth in Canada, the United States and around the world. He will also serve on the board of directors.

Most recently, Toutant was president of Keurig Canada, where he accelerated growth through a strategic alliance with Keurig Green Mountain in the United States. He also headed Keurig's operations in the United Kingdom.

New York -- Teen retailer Delia’s announced that its CFO, David Dick, has resigned. He will remain with the company through Aug. 1.

Hollywood, Calif. - Frederick's of Hollywood Group Inc. shareholders approved, at a special meeting of shareholders held May 28, the previously disclosed merger agreement that provides for the acquisition of the company. The merger was approved by more two-thirds of the aggregate voting power of the company's common stock.

New Albany, Ohio – Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported a net loss of $23.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, up from $7.2 million in the year-ago period, but less than analysts had expected. Restructuring charges associated with the closure of Abercrombie’s Gilly Hicks stand-alone stores, as well as the impact of heavy discounting on profit margins, helped drive the retailer’s net loss growth. The chain backed its full-year forecast as demand in its female business improved and sales fell less than expected for the first time in six quarters.

New York — Skincare specialist Infinite Beauty has leased its first New York City location at 1031 Third Avenue and 61st Street, according to Faith Hope Consolo, chairman, and Joseph Aquino, executive VP of Douglas Elliman’s Retail Group, which represented both the landlord and tenant in the transaction.

The retailer has stores in affluent areas along the east and west coasts, from Boca Raton, Fla., to Annapolis, Md., and White Plains, N.Y., to Roseville, N.Y., and Palo Alto, Calif.

Omnichannel retail company Delia’s, which markets apparel, accessories and footwear to teenage girls, is looking for a new CFO. Current financial chief David Dick has resigned and will remain with the company through Aug. 1.