EXEC: Department Stores Stung by Apparel Category Woes

Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, and Dillard’s saw sales decline in the second quarter as the retailer’s core apparel category faced promotional pressures and weak demand. The active category was a bright spot for Nordstrom, but continued to struggle at Macy’s and Kohl’s.

Bass Pro Shops Set to Open In Loveland, CO

Bass Pro Shops announced plans today to open a retail store in Loveland, CO. The opening of the 130,000-square-foot Outdoor World, expected to open in 2025, is the retailer’s sixth Bass Pro Shop in Colorado.

EXEC: Gap Confident in Athleta’s Turnaround Prospects

Athleta’s same-store sales were down in the second quarter for the third quarter in a row but showed improvement sequentially with sales of performance bottoms accelerating. On its analyst call, Gap Inc. officials expressed confidence in the ability of Athleta’s new leadership team, led by former Alo Yoga’s president Chris Blakeslee, to guide the continued recovery.

Hibbett’s Q2 Profits Tumble Year-Over-Year, Top Wall Street’s Targets

Hibbett, Inc.’s second-quarter profits fell 55.9 percent but still topped analyst targets with some strength in footwear offsetting apparel weakness. The sporting goods chain reiterated its full-year outlook, bucking a trend that saw competitors, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker, lower guidance this week.

Nordstrom’s Q2 Profits Fly Past Analyst Targets

Nordstrom, Inc., reported earnings in the second quarter improved 8.7 percent year-over-year and nearly doubled Wall Street’s consensus target. The upscale department store chain said it benefited from continued progress on key priorities of Nordstrom Rack improvement, inventory productivity and supply chain optimization. Guidance was maintained for the year.