Buckle Q4 profit up as same-store sales climb

Kearney, Neb. The Buckle said Wednesday that its profit rose 18% in the fiscal fourth quarter as its same-store sales climbed, despite the recession.

The teen apparel retailer’s reported net income increased to $34.3 million, compared with $29.1 million in the prior-year period.

Revenue rose 21% to $251.4 million, from $207 million for the period ended Jan 31, while same-store sales gained a strong 14.3%.

Full-year earnings surged 39% to $104.4 million, from $75.2 million. Revenue increased 28% to $792 million, from $619.9 million the previous year.

Buckle currently runs 391 retail stores in 40 states.