News

New York City -- Ann Inc., formerly known as Ann Taylor Stores Corp., reported that its second -quarter earnings rose 33% $24.8 million, helped by strong online sales and a jump in revenue at the company's Loft stores. The company raised its full-year sales guidance, saying it is confident despite the challenging consumer environment.

It was the company’s eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Hibbett Sports reported that net sales for the second quarter ended July 30 increased 9.5% to $153.1 million compared with $139.8 million for the second quarter ended July 31, 2010. Comparable-store sales increased 5.9%.

Net income for the quarter increased 48% to $5.9 million compared with $4 million for the same period last year. Earnings per diluted share increased 56.4% to 21 cents compared with 14 cents for the same period last year.

New York City -- Aeropostale reported Wednesday that net income for its second quarter plummeted 93% to $2.94 million, from $43.6 million in the year-ago period.

Sales declined 5% to $468.2 million and same-store sales dropped 14%.

The company revised its third quarter forecast downward.

VERNON, Calif. — True Religion Apparel has announced that Lynne Koplin has been named president of the company effective immediately.

Koplin joined the company in January 2010 as COO. Prior to joining the company, and since July 2005, she was the president women’s division, of Tommy Bahama, a subsidiary of Oxford Industries, and before that worked for a number of apparel and retail companies.

The trend of fewer people shopping Walmart stores less often has hurt the company’s efforts to revitalize U.S. sales growth, and now it the appears trip consolidation trend is playing out internationally as well.

San Francisco -- Gap reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended July 30 dropped 19% to $189 million, compared with $234 million in the year-ago period.

The retailer, which operates the Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic banners, cited aggressive merchandise pricing reductions for the profit decline. Results beat analysts’ earnings expectations, but the declines still raised concerns about Gap’s performance in the upcoming fall and holiday shopping seasons.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens on Thursday officially unveiled its new store brand, Nice!

Birmingham, Ala. -- Hibbett Sports reported Friday that profit for the quarter ended July 30 surged 48% to $5.9 million, compared with $4 million a year earlier.

Revenue rose more than 9% to $153.1 million, beating Wall Street’s projected $151.9 million in revenue.