Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores posts Q2 loss

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc.’s second-quarter net income dropped to $9.1 million, down from $21.1 million a year earlier, on expenses associated with its spinoff from Sears Holdings Corp. The company also announced that its board approved a $25 million buyback.



Revenue increased 2% to $656.9 million from $644.5 million. Same-store sales rose 1.4%, with an 8.2% increase for the chain’s outlet segment.



“We are adjusting pricing/promotional plans, enhancing Outlet sourcing capabilities, and focusing on higher margin categories and product lines to improve profitability,” CEO and president Bruce Johnson said. “Profitability was also affected by $6.4 million of expenses incurred as a result of operating as an independent public company, which expenses were not incurred in the prior year.”