Gap ups outlook on strong Q3

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. raised its outlook for the year after reporting better-than-expected net income for the third quarter on growing sales. It was the latest sign that the long beleaguered chain may be finally entering a turnaround.



For the three months ended Oct. 27, the company said it earned $308 million, compared with $193 million in the year



For the quarter, net sales rose about 8%, to $3.86 billion, the company. Same-store sales rose 6% in North America. The metric increased 7% at Gap, 6% for Banana Republic and 9% for Old Navy.



Net sales for the online division rose by 23% to $509 million. International sales were up 7%.



"We are ready to compete and win this holiday season as we drive to build upon our top line growth," CEO Glenn Murphy said.