News

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. reported Wednesday that profit for the second-quarter rose 64% to $32 million, up from $19.5 million, on increased demand in the United States and Europe.

Revenue rose 23% to $916.8 million, as previously reported, and same-store sales increased 9%.

Stirling Properties, the developer of River Chase Shopping Center in the south Louisiana community of Covington, announced that Sam’s Club is coming to the center, planning a fall 2012 opening for the new 136,000-sq.-ft. warehouse club.

The largest open-air retail center in St. Tammany Parish, the 640,000-sq.-ft. River Chase is currently anchored by Target, Belk, J.C. Penney. Best Buy, Marshalls, Ross Dress for Less and a 14-screen Hollywood Theater.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — It has been a rough couple years for retailers, and no segment has been hit harder than office products, which has suffered a double whammy from the downturn in consumer and business spending. Staples, long the leader in the office products industry, has fared better than rivals Office Depot and OfficeMax, and its dominance was evident again on Wednesday, even if the second quarter results the company reported were uninspiring.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target reported second quarter earnings per share of $1.03 that beat analysts’ estimates by a nickel, and the company elevated its full year profit forecast amid ongoing success of key initiatives.

Retail sales increased 5.1% to $15.9 billion from $15.1 billion thanks to a 3.9% same-store sales increase and the addition of several new stores. Operating profit for the retail business increased at a slower rate, rising 4.6% to $1.147 billion from $1.096 billion.

Westborough, Mass. -- BJ's Wholesale Club reported Wednesday that net income for the quarter ended July 30 increased 28% to $45.7 million, compared with $35.7 million in the year-ago period.

The warehouse club operator said revenue rose 11% to $3.05 billion from $2.75 billion, beating an expected $2.98 billion. Revenue from membership fees increased to $51.8 million from $47.5 million, while net sales rose to $2.98 billion from $2.69 billion. Same-store sales rose 7.8%, including a 4% contribution from fuel sales.

South Denver’s Park Meadows regional mall is officially 15 years old -- and it is celebrating throughout the month of August with free community entertainment and activities, culminating in a free community pancake breakfast August 30, 2011.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced Tuesday that Robert Schriesheim will join the company as EVP and CFO.  Schriesheim, who starts with the company immediately as EVP, will assume his responsibilities as CFO effective Aug. 22.

Schriesheim, 51, most recently was CFO for Hewitt Associates, leading the company's global financial and administrative roles until its merger with Aon Corp.

New York City -- Saks reported Tuesday that it has tightened its losses in the quarter ended July 30, posting a loss of $8.4 million compared with a loss of $32.2 million in the year earlier period.

The luxury retailer cited increased full-price selling for the improvement, but warned Wall Street that it was heading into the fall selling season with caution because of the uncertain economic conditions.