Direct To Consumer (DTC)

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. earned $11.4 million for the second quarter, down from $17.1 million in the year-ago period, amid a 10% drop in same-store sales. The retailer, whose results missed analysts' estimates, also gave a third-quarter earnings forecast well below Wall Street expectations.

Abercrombie & Fitch and many other teen retailers have struggled of late, with their sales impacted not only by financially constrained consumers but also by the inherent fickle nature of their customer base.

WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Leading video and e-commerce retailer QVC has launched a second broadcast channel, QVC Plus. QVC Plus will maintain the QVC brand and television experience including shows, exclusive products and program hosts, airing on a three-hour delay of QVC's current live broadcast.

Kearney, Neb. -- The Buckle’s net income rose 8% in the second quarter on improved sales. The apparel retailer earned $25.1 million for the three months ended Aug. 3, compared to $23.2 million a year ago.

Revenue grew 8%, to $232.5 million from $215.5 million. Online sales rose 5.3%. Same-store increased 3.2%, short of analysts expectations.
 

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. reported that its second quarter profit dropped 13% to $611 million in the quarter ended Aug. 3, down from $704 million a year earlier, amid start-up costs related to its entry into Canada. Total company profits, excluding start-up costs related to Canada, increased 6.1%. Similar to other retailers, the chain issued a muted annual profit forecast as it deals with a still uncertain economy and cautious consumers.

LOS ANGELES — JustFab and ShoeDazzle have entered into a definitive agreement to merge and form one fashion subscription e-commerce business.

With the merger, the two brands will be able to expand their customer base in the United States and further accelerate international and category expansion plans. The combined company is expected to be profitable in 2014.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — TJX Cos. reported that its fiscal second-quarter net income rose a better-than-expected 14%. The off-price retailer also increased its profit outlook for the year.

The company earned $479.6 million for the quarter, which ended on Aug. 3, up from $421.1 million in the same quarter last year.

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters’ second-quarter net income jumped to $76 million for the three months ended July 31, 2013.

Total company net sales for the second quarter increased 12% to a record $759 million. Same—store sales, including the company’s direct-to-consumer channel, increased 9%.

Comparable retail segment net sales increased 38% at Free People, 9% at Anthropologie and 5% at Urban Outfitters. Wholesale segment net sales rose 17%.

PHILADELPHIA — A favorable customer response to product offerings at Urban Outfitters contributed to the retailer’s net income of $76 million for the three months ended July 31.

Total company net sales for the second quarter increased 12% to a record $759 million. Same-store sales, including the company’s direct-to-consumer channel, increased 9%.

Comparable retail segment net sales increased 38% at Free People, 9% at Anthropologie and 5% at Urban Outfitters. Wholesale segment net sales rose 17%.