Caps fit Genesco well in Q2

Nashville, Tenn. – Despite a late back to school season, Genesco Inc.’s profit and revenue beat the Street in the second quarter, helped by the strong performance of its Lids headgear division.



Genesco reported net earnings of $7.52 million, up 60% from $4.69 million the same period a year earlier and beyond Wall Street predictions. Improve pretax earnings, combined with lower income tax expense, perked up profit at Genesco Inc.



Net sales rose 6% to $655.52 million, from $615.47 million.



Same-store sales increased 7%. This total figure included a 4% increase in the Journeys Group, an 8% increase in the Lids Sports Group, an 8% increase in the Schuh Group, and a 10% increase in the Johnston & Murphy Group. E-commerce sales rose 26%, while core retail same-store sales increased 5%.



"The second quarter saw strong comparable sales growth despite the later start to the back-to-school selling season," said Robert J. Dennis, chairman, president and CEO of Genesco. "Our top-line performance helped offset expected gross margin pressure from our continued efforts to right size the Lids Sports Group's inventory levels.”