Back to School, Back to Profits

Despite the fact that Gap Inc. blamed its dismal August partly on consumers not spending, several other specialty apparel retailers reported that total sales and same-store sales were good during the month.

American Eagle Outfitters (Warrendale, Pa.) reported a 29.6 percent increase in total sales across its 526-store chain and a 9.1 percent increase in same-store sales. The Limited (Columbus, Ohio) reported a 6 percent increase; Bon Ton (York, Pa.) showed a 10.2 percent uptick; and Gadzooks Inc. (Dallas) saw same-store sales rise 7.9 percent.

Other specialty apparel retailers reporting had positive, if not so glowing, news: Same-store sales at The Buckle (Kearney, Neb.) were up 2.3 percent; at S&K Famous Brands (Richmond, Va.) up 1 percent; and at ShopKo (Green Bay, Wis.) up 0.4 percent.