Net loss in the final quarter narrowed to $5,089,000 from a loss of $12,950,000 last year despite a 2% top line improvement to $247,101,000 from $242,889,000 and a comp store increase of 1.1% helped by strong sales of outerwear. After a slow start to the quarter with negative comps in Oct. and Nov., comps surged 4.4% in Dec. as winter weather conditions arrived. Transactions and average ticket both increased slightly. The retailer had pre-announced its Q4 results in Jan, but an upbeat outlook helped its shares rise 5% after hours on top of a 10% run-up during the day.

Apparel sales ... Log in to view full article.