February 24, 2014

Dillard’s CEO William T. Dillard II voiced disappointment in the retailer’s gross margin performance despite what he called a profitable fourth quarter.  Although comparable sales gew 2%, the retailer said lower-than-expected sales necessitated heavy markdowns.

The company reported a net income of $119.1 million for the quarter and fiscal 2014, a 26% decline from $161.4 million for the same period a year earlier.  Net sales in the fourth quarter declined 3% to $2.03 billion from $2.1 billion.  During the fiscal year, net income dropped about 4% to $323.7 million from $336 million, and net sales slightly declined to $6.53 billion from $6.59 billion.  Same-store sales rose 1%.

Looking ahead, Dillard’s plans to open two new stores in October 2014: a 200,000 sq. ft. location in The Shops at Summerlin in Las Vegas and a 180,000 sq. ft. location in The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Retailing Today