Williams-Sonoma’s Profits Jump

Williams-Sonoma Inc. (San Francisco) reported a 55 percent gain in profits for its latest quarter as sales surged at its Pottery Barn and outlet stores.

The retailer said Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids drove second-quarter retail sales growth, partially offset by a decline at its Hold Everything chain, where stores closed. Second-quarter same-store sales increased by 5 percent overall — 10.2 percent at Pottery Barn and 19 percent at outlets. Same-store sales slid 1.6 percent at the company’s flagship Williams-Sonoma stores.