Business Analytics

Indianapolis – The Finish Line posted increases in net income, net sales and same-store sales during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. Net income totaled $26.19 million, up 6.1% from about $24.44 million a year earlier.

Consolidated net sales were $436 million, up 13.3 % from $385 million in the same quarter the previous year. Same-store sales rose 0.9%.

Sales at Indianapolis-based athletic footwear and apparel retailer Finish Line grew 13.3% to $436 million and earnings per share increase 10.2% to 54 cents, nine cents better than analysts forecast for the period ended August 31.

Company chairman and CEO Glenn Lyon characterized the performance as solid, and credited a 0.9% comp increase and expense control for profit growth.

Indianapolis — Simon Property Group has received recognition for its sustainable efforts.

First, SPG has been named to the 2013 CDP Global 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI). The annual index highlights FTSE Global 500 companies that demonstrate leadership through disclosure of information regarding climate change and score within the top 10% of the five hundred companies assessed. This is SPG’s fifth CDLI award and its third due to top score on disclosure of green house gas emissions and energy use.

Ontario, Canada -- Staples Canada announced its sustainability achievements for the second quarter of 2013, including a 9% drop in energy consumption (over the year-ago period). The retailer continues to focus on its long-term commitment to growing the business in a sustainable manner, and reducing its impact on the environment.

Suffern, N.Y. -- Ascena Retail Group’s adjusted fiscal fourth-quarter profit exceeded Wall Street estimates, driven by strong same-store sales at its Lane Bryant division.

Looking ahead, the company, whose brands include Justice, Lane Bryant, Maurices, Dressbarn and Catherines, said it plans to open approximately 180 to 190 stores and close 115 to 125 stores.

Ascena’s net income jumped to $29.8 million for the quarter that ended July 27, compared with net income of $1.6 million in its fourth quarter last year.

Software Paradigms International (SPI), a leading global, award-winning retail IT services and solutions provider, has acquired Shiloh Technologies, an Arkansas-based analytic software company for retailers and suppliers.

“This acquisition was strategic, allowing us to extend our product portfolio to provide POS analytics from retailers to their suppliers. It also provides Shiloh clients with the opportunity to leverage our global services and products — providing both companies with endless opportunities,” said Sid Mookerji, CEO and co-founder, SPI.

East Moriches, N.Y. -- Solutions Management, a leading national retail and corporate maintenance company, announced the appointment of Michael DiTaranto as its new senior operations manager.

Charlotte, N.C. — Rite Aid Corporation has selected AMTdirect’s real estate software solution to manage its portfolio of more than 5,800 locations. AMTdirect’s integrated platform will help Rite Aid define and implement its real estate strategy by consolidating data, streamlining key business processes and informing decision-makers at all levels.

Fort Worth, Texas – Pier 1 Imports, Inc. substantially missed expectations with a 32% decline in net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the same period last year. Net income totaled $17.8 million in the most recent fiscal quarter, down from $26.2 million.

Total sales were $395.6 million, a 7.6% increase from $367.6 million a year earlier. Comparable store sales increased 3.5% during the second quarter.

Phoenix -- Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. has completed the implementation of the Manthan Systems ARC BI platform and merchandise analytics technology in 166 retail stores across eight states.