Jos. A. Bank profit up 26% on strong sales

Hampstead, Md. Jos. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday that its profit climbed 26% in the third quarter as sales of its men's products improved.

It was the 14th consecutive quarter that profits have risen from prior-year levels.

"Despite the continued pressure we are facing from the difficult national economy, our business model is performing very well," said CEO and president R. Neal Black.

The retailer said it earned $11.7 million in the three months ended Oct. 31 compared with $9.3 million a year ago.

Sales rose 8% to $161.3 million from $149.3 million.

The results topped Wall Street's estimate for revenue of $160.2 million.

Same-store sales increased 3.3%, while direct-marketing sales surged 21.2%.