eCommerce

Warrendale, Pa. -- Rue21 reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 rose 18.7% to $12.9 million, from $10.9 million in the year-ago period.

Sales surged 15.7% to $219.9 million, but same-store sales dipped 2.2% following a 1.5% increase a year earlier.

During the quarter, Rue21 opened 17 new stores and closed two.
 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Books-A-Million's quarterly profit edged up to $7.6 million, from $6.7 million a year earlier.

Sales increased 10.7% to $166.9 million, from $150.8 million. Same-store sales declined 5.7%.

During the quarter, the retailer said it incurred costs of $1.6 million related to the closing of 21 underperforming locations and the opening of 41 new Bam! stores in October and November.

Houston -- Francesca's Holdings Corp. reported Tuesday that profit for the fourth quarter grew nearly 100% to $8.4 million, from $4.3 million in the year-ago period. Results handily beat Wall Street expectations.

Sales surged in the period almost 55% to $61.7 million, past Wall analysts’ estimated $57.6 million. Same-store sales increased 15%.

The retailer said it expects to open 76 new boutiques during fiscal year 2013.
 

Anaheim, Calif. -- Pacific Sunwear of Calif. Inc. reported Tuesday that its loss for the quarter ended Jan. 28 widened to $38.1 million, compared with a net loss of $35.2 million a year earlier. Sales dipped 1% to $234.2 million from $237.6 million, missing Wall Street’s expected revenue of $245.9 million.

PacSun has been in the throes of a right-sizing effort, working to build sales while closing underperforming stores. The company closed 87 stores during fourth quarter and ended fiscal 2011 with 733 stores.

Plano, Texas -- As part of its strategic transformation program, J.C. Penney Co. said Monday that it has made several new hires and promotions at the executive level.

To lead merchandise strategy, Liz Sweney has been promoted to chief merchant and will lead the reinvention of the retailer’s apparel and home portfolio. Sweney most recently served as executive VP and senior general merchandise manager of women's apparel, accessories, footwear, jewelry and juniors divisions, as well as Sephora inside J.C. Penney.

Dallas -- Zale Corp. said Tuesday that it has named Jamie Singleton as senior VP and general manager of Piercing Pagoda, effective March 27.

Singleton is charged with overall responsibility for the company’s kiosk business and will report to Theo Killion, CEO.

Singleton most recently served as senior VP business expansion at CPI Corp.

DALLAS — Zale Corp. has named Jamie Singleton SVP and general manager of Piercing Pagoda, effective March 27. In this role, Singleton will have overall responsibility for the company’s kiosk business and will report to Theo Killion, CEO.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney understands that transformation doesn't happen over night and that finding the right people to implement its strategy takes careful planning. The company's latest personnel changes come in the areas of merchandising, brand partnerships, brand makeover and store experience.