News

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 surged 32.9% to $7.9 million from $5.9 million in the comparable-year period.

The retailer reported a net sales increase of 8% to $165.4 million compared with $153.1 million for the same period last year. Same-store sales increased 4.8%.

The company increased its earnings guidance for fiscal 2013 and said it is on track to open 55 to 60 new stores, expand approximately 15 high performing stores and close up to 18 underperforming stores.

Nashville, Tenn. -- Kirkland reported Friday a loss of $2 million in the second quarter, widened from a loss of $480,000 in the year-ago period. Revenue edged up 1% to $91 million, missing Wall Street’s expected $94.4 million in revenue.

Same-store sales declined 3.6%.

The retailer has cut its earnings and revenue outlooks for the year.

New York -- Ann Inc. reported Friday that profit for the second quarter rose 24% to $30.7 million, compared with $24.8 million in the year-ago period.

Same-store sales companywide increase 4.7%; by brand, Ann Taylor store comps increased 3.2% and Loft comps rose 4.1%.

The company raised its outlook for the full year of fiscal 2012, and also said that it is on track to open approximately 65 new stores this year, partially offset by the impact of downsizes at Ann Taylor stores and approximately 30 store closures. 
 

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group said Friday that second-quarter profit dropped to $1.2 million, from $6.6 million in the year-ago period. Total sales were flat at $100.5 million, and same-store sales edged up 2%.

However, continuing strength from the DestinationXL stores vs. the Casual Male XL locations is prompting the company to focus on growing the former.

New York -- Foot Locker reported Friday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 rose to $59 million, from $37 million last year.

Sales increased 7.2% to $1.37 billion this year, compared with $1.27 billion in the prior year. Same-store sales increased nearly 10%.
 

Seattle -- Nordstrom said Friday it has debuted a new iPad app that will allow its customers to browse and purchase merchandise via their iPad tablets.

Canton, Mass. -- Dunkin Brands said Friday it has launched its first-ever mobile app for payment and gifting purposes.

The app for iPhone, iPod touch or Android smartphone will allow users to pay food, beverages, and merchandise at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants throughout the U.S. by scanning a device in-store or at the drive-thru.

Additionally, an mGift feature will enable consumers to send virtual gift cards three ways – text, email, and Facebook Connect.

New York -- Aeropostale reported Friday that net income for the second quarter was $100,000, compared with $2.9 million last year.

Sales increased 4% to $485.3 million, from $468.2 million in the year-ago period. Same-store sales, including the e-commerce channel, were essentially flat, compared with a 12% decrease last year. Excluding e-commerce, same-store sales dipped 1%, compared with a 14% decrease last year.

The company has lowered its third-quarter guidance.
 

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended July 28 surged 29% to $243 million, prompting the retailer to raise its guidance for full-year 2012.

Sales increased 6% to $3.58 billion, compared with $3.39 billion for the second quarter last year. Same-store sales rose 4%.

“Our continued focus on product and store execution are helping to drive positive momentum and we’re committed to sustaining solid performance for the remainder of the year,”said Glenn Murphy, chairman and CEO.

New York -- Following Wednesday reports that large retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores, Target Corp. and 7-Eleven are developing a mobile payment network, Wal-Mart confirmed on Thursday that a new company has been formed by Wal-Mart and other leading U.S. retailers to develop and deploy an m-commerce solution much like the Starbucks Square initiative that was announced last week.