Supply Chain & Merchandising

Dallas -- Zale Corp.’s first-quarter loss widened as a debt-related charge hit the bottom line but a slight drop in revenue was offset by higher margins. The jewelry retailer reported a loss of $97.9 million, up from $59.7 million a year earlier.

Sales fell 0.7% to $327 million, from $329 million. Same-store sales in the quarter ended Oct. 31 fell 1.1%.

Memphis -- Fred's said Tuesday that its third-quarter net income surged 56%, partly because of its improved merchandise mix and remodeled and upgraded stores.

The discounter’s net iFred's said Tuesday that its third-quarter net income surged 56%, partly because of its improved merchandise mix and remodeled and upgraded stores.ncome rose to $7.8 million for the period ended Oct. 30, compared with $5 million in the year ago period. The performance topped analysts’ estimates.