J. Crew Q2 profit up, beats Street

New York City J. Crew Group reported late Thursday much improved second-quarter earnings than analysts estimated. Profits also edged up over the year-ago period as markdowns motivated customers to boost both online and in-store purchases.

J. Crew reported a profit of $18.6 million, compared with $18.1 million in the second quarter last year.

Revenue rose 6% to $357.6 million, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $346.9 million in sales.