The Buckle, Hot Topic, Aeropostale shine in apparel category

New York City Most apparel retailers continued to struggle in February, with some notable exceptions. The Buckle posted a 21% increase in February same-store sales, far above the 9% gain expected. Hot Topic reported Wednesday that its same-store sales rose 10.8%, more than double what analysts estimated. At Aeropostale, February same-store sales rose 11%, beating analyst expectations, as shoppers purchased spring merchandise.

Although most other apparel retailers remained in a funk in February, the results, in most cases, were not as bad as Wall Street predictions. One of the hardest hit retailers was Abercrombie & Fitch Co., whose same-store sales plunged 30% in February due to much weaker results at all its chains.

American Eagle Outfitters posted a 7% decline, less than the 13.4% drop forecast by Wall Street. The Wet Seal posted a 6.6% decline, less than the 12% drop expected by analysts.

Limited Brands, which operates Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works, posted a decline of 7%. Analysts expected a drop of 7.1%. Stage Stores said same-store sales fell 8.6%, less than the expected 9.3% drop.

At Gap, same-store sales fell 12%; Wall Street had expected a decline of 15.5%. Destination Maternity Corp. said its same-store sales fell 3.5%.