Retail

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings’ second-quarter loss widened as the company was challenged with store closings, weak sales and deep discounts. Its performance was also impacted by the lingering effects from its spinoff of its Hometown and Outlet Stores banner.

For the period ended Aug. 3, Sears lost $194 million, compared with a loss of $132 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue dropped 6% to $8.87 billion, from $9.47 billion. Same-store sales fell 1.5%, with a 2.1% drop at Kmart and a 0.8% drop at Sears.

Dollar Tree customers are responding to the value retailer’s offerings in discretionary and consumable merchandise categories. As a result, its consolidated net sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 3 were $1.85 billion, up 8.8% from $1.7 billion for the prior-year quarter.

Comparable-store sales increased 3.7%, on top of a 4.5% increase for the second quarter 2012.

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.
 

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ST. PAUL, MINN. — Ace Brand from 3M Company has launched Ace Brand Sports Medicine Products, marking the brand’s expansion into the sporting goods category. 

As part of the launch, Ace Brand has partnered with Little League Baseball and Softball, the world’s largest youth sports organization, to support youth athletes nationwide. 

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. reported that its second-quarter net income increased 48%, helped by higher same-store sales. The retailer also announced that the SEC is conducting an investigation related to Stein Mart's restatement of prior years' financial statements and its change in its auditors.

For the quarter ended Aug. 3, Stein Mart earned $3.4 million up from $2.3 million in the same quarter of 2012.

Revenue increased 4%, to $291 million from $280.4 million. Same-store sales rose 6.4%.