Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) today reported total sales of $1.255 billion for the four weeks ended Jan. 30, 2010, an increase of 3.4 percent compared with total sales of $1.213 billion in the four weeks ended Jan. 31, 2009. On a same-store basis, Macy’s, Inc. sales were also up 3.4 percent in January. “Now that we have implemented fundamental changes to Macy’s operating and organization structure in 2009, we are moving into 2010 firmly focused on the execution of our strategies.” For the 13-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, Macy’s, Inc.’s sales totaled $7.851 billion, down 1.0 percent from total sales of $7.934 billion for the final 13 weeks of 2008. On a same-store basis, the company’s fourth quarter sales were down 0.8 percent. This is better than the company’s guidance for fourth quarter sales to be down between 1 percent and 2 percent. Online sales (macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined) were up 23.9 percent in January, 26.6 percent in the fourth quarter and 19.6 percent for fiscal 2009. Online sales positively affected the company’s same-store sales by 0.7 percentage points in the fourth quarter and 0.6 percentage points in fiscal 2009 as a whole. Online sales are included in the same-store sales calculation for Macy’s, Inc. This is only a portion of their news report.  Visit the Macy’s
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Dress Barn, Inc. (NASDAQ – DBRN) today reported its second quarter sales results. Net sales for the thirteen-week fiscal quarter ended January 23, 2010 increased 73.1% to $594.1 million, compared to $343.2 million reported for the thirteen weeks ended January 24, 2009. The increase is primarily due to the inclusion of Justice sales since the merger on November 25, 2009 and increased comparable store sales at dressbarn and maurices. Consolidated comparable store sales increased 10% and 8% for the fiscal quarter and six months ended January 23, 2010, respectively. Comparable store sales by division for the quarterly and six month periods ended January 23, 2010 were as follows: Comparable Store Sales Second Quarter Six Months dressbarn +6% +5% maurices +5% +4% Justice* +19% +19% Consolidated +10% +8% * Justice comparable store sales are included since the merger on November 25, 2009. David R. Jaffe, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “We were very pleased with the stronger than expected sales performance at each of our divisions during the quarter. Our commitment of offering fashion apparel at value prices continues to resonate with our customers. We are also pleased with our recent successful redemption of all outstanding 2.50% Convertible Senior Notes. This has further strengthened our
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The Wet Seal, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTSLA), a leading specialty retailer to young women, reported net sales and comparable store sales for the four-week period ended January 30, 2010, or fiscal January, and the fiscal fourth quarter ended January 30, 2010, as follows: Fiscal January Net Sales Comparable Store Sales% Change $ in Millions % Change FromLast Year This Year Last Year Wet Seal $25.8 -3.9% -6.7% -12.1% Arden B 5.1 5.4% 15.7% -27.0% Total $30.9 -2.5% -3.7% -14.7% Fiscal Fourth Quarter Net Sales Comparable Store Sales% Change $ in Millions % Change FromLast Year This Year Last Year Wet Seal $126.6 -3.1% -6.7% -8.6% Arden B 24.4 0.7% 8.8% -32.1% Total $151.0 -2.5% -4.5% -13.4% Ed Thomas, chief executive officer of The Wet Seal, Inc., commented: “Fourth quarter comparable store sales were in line with our expectations. “We also ended the year with solid inventory levels in both divisions, as planned, which should provide opportunity for improved comparable store sales performance as we begin fiscal 2010. At Wet Seal, we estimate inventory per square foot increased 6% over
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Xerium Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: XRM), a leading global manufacturer of industrial textiles and rolls used primarily in the paper production process, yesterday announced that it has secured from certain of its lenders an extension of its existing temporary loan covenant waivers until March 1, 2010. The lenders have extended the existing loan covenant waivers in order to facilitate continued negotiations for a comprehensive recapitalization of the Company. Pursuant to the extension, certain lenders have agreed to extend the previous waivers of any defaults resulting from the Company’s failure to comply with certain financial covenants under its credit agreement for the quarters ended September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2009, and to waive any defaults under agreements creating the Company’s existing hedging obligations and to extend the forbearance thereof. “We appreciate the support and commitment of our lenders as we work within the prescribed framework to finalize an agreement,” commented Stephen R. Light, Xerium’s Chairman, CEO and President. “We are eager to put this debt restructuring behind us as we continue to move forward as a more competitive and operationally efficient organization.” “We continue to caution you that there can be no assurance that we will complete these negotiations in the time frame specified
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Culp, Inc. yesterday announced that it is pursuing monetary damages and injunctive relief against Gum Tree Fabrics for willful infringement of Culp’s copyrighted fabric design known as “Palomino.” Culp has asked the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina to stop Gum Tree Fabrics – and all those acting in concert or participation with Gum Tree Fabrics– from offering, distributing and selling the infringing fabric called “Ringo.” Culp has further requested that the court award Culp damages and a disgorgement of profits wrongly reaped by Gum Tree Fabrics through its unlawful activities. Culp is the owner of many copyrighted designs, including its Palomino design, which was awarded a copyright registration certificate from the U.S. Copyright Office. The Palomino design has been assigned Copyright Registration No. VA 1-429-919, effective June 15, 2006. Culp’s copyright is valid and enforceable, as evidenced by the thorough examination conducted by the U.S. Copyright Office prior to granting Culp’s registration. Culp has devoted substantial time and money to create innovative and unique fabric designs for its customers. Culp’s highly successful Palomino design is one such design among many others offered by Culp. Gum Tree Fabrics issued a press release on January 26, 2010, regarding
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Increases quarterly dividend 25% to $0.10 per shareMen’s Wearhouse (NYSE: MW) announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company’s common stock, payable on March 26, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2010.Neill Davis, executive vice president and chief financial officer, stated, “A regular review of our dividend is an essential component of our company’s capital allocation strategy, and we are pleased to announce that we are raising our quarterly dividend to $0.10 per share. This 25% increase reflects our continued significant cash generation capabilities and our ongoing commitment to enhancing total returns for our shareholders.”Founded in 1973, Men’s Wearhouse is one of North America’s largest specialty retailers of men’s apparel with 1,271 stores. The Men’s Wearhouse, Moores and K&G stores carry a full selection of designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores carry a limited selection. Tuxedo rentals are available in the Men’s Wearhouse, Moores and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux stores.For additional information on Men’s Wearhouse, please visit the company’s website at http://www.menswearhouse.com 
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Cintas Corporation (Nasdaq: CTAS) announced that at its meeting today, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 48 cents per share annual dividend, an increase over last year’s annual dividend of 47 cents per share. The dividend is payable on March 10, 2010, to shareholders of record as of February 10, 2010. Robert J. Kohlhepp, Chairman of the Board of Cintas said, “We are pleased to announce an increase in this year’s annual dividend for our shareholders. We continue to generate strong cash flows from our business despite the sluggish economy. Our reliable cash flow, in conjunction with our solid balance sheet, has allowed us to increase our annual dividend to shareholders each year since going public in 1983.” About Cintas Headquartered in Cincinnati, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types predominantly in the United States and Canada. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services for approximately 800,000 businesses. Cintas is a publicly held company traded over the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CTAS, and is a Nasdaq-100 company and component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.
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K•Swiss Inc. (NASDAQ:KSWS) today announced details for the release of its results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. K•Swiss plans to issue its fourth quarter earnings release before the market opens on February 18, 2010, and will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET on the same day. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (212) 231-2902. A replay of the conference call will be available through February 25, 2010, by dialing (402) 977-9140 and entering 21450547 when prompted for the access code. The live broadcast of K•Swiss’ quarterly conference call will be available online at www.streetevents.com and www.earnings.com on February 18, 2010, beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. The online replay will follow shortly after the call and continue through February 25, 2010. K•Swiss Inc. designs, develops and markets an array of athletic footwear for high performance sports use, fitness activities and casual wear under the K•Swiss and Palladium brands.
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INVISTA B.V., a global integrated polymers and fibers company, has made available a current report in accordance with the terms and conditions of its bond indenture agreement related to ongoing reporting. INVISTA B.V. made this report available to holders and beneficial owners of units (consisting of 9¼% senior notes due 2012 of KoSa Lux Finance B.V., 9¼% senior notes due 2012 of KoSa UK Finance B.V., 9¼% senior notes due 2012 of INVISTA (Canada) Company, and 9¼% senior notes due 2012 of Arteva Global Holdings B.V.) as well as to prospective investors and securities analysts who contact INVISTA to request copies and provide the information described below. The information in the report is NON-PUBLIC and shall not be communicated or forwarded to any person other than interested holders and beneficial owners of such units and such prospective investors and securities analysts approved by INVISTA. Interested holders, beneficial owners, prospective investors, and securities analysts who desire to receive the report, but have not contacted INVISTA in the past, should provide INVISTA with contact information no later than 5 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 28. Please provide your name, organization, telephone number, e-mail address and category (e.g., holder, beneficial owner, prospective investor or analyst) to: Gwen Pickert+1-316-828-1242gwen.pickert@INVISTA.com INVISTA is
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Perry Ellis International (NASDAQ: PERY) announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with Fishman & Tobin, Inc. to design, manufacture and distribute boys’ apparel as well as girls’ and boys’ school uniforms under the Perry Ellis®, Perry Ellis Portfolio® and Perry Ellis America® family of brands. Fishman & Tobin, Inc. is recognized as a leader in boys’ dress and sportswear in all channels of distribution. For over 90 years, the family-run business has been known as a supplier of excellence for its quality, service and innovation in the marketplace. Fishman & Tobin’s reputation for providing great value in children’s wear has enabled it to grow to be the number one company in boys’ dress wear and school uniforms. Oscar Feldenkreis, President and Chief Operating Officer of Perry Ellis International, said: “This is a great opportunity to extend the Perry Ellis brand to another complementary category with a licensee that clearly interprets the essence of the Perry Ellis lifestyle. We look forward to a great partnership with such an industry leader as Fishman & Tobin. “ New boys’ and girls’ products will be available throughout the United States and Canada in several channels of retail distribution. Initial shipments will arrive for the Fall 2010 season. Read
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