The mass merchant said that sales of active apparel accounted for the majority of the overall sales decline in the quarter as lapping last year’s elevated clearance activity was a major headwind. However, private apparel brands FLX and Tek Gear performed better, KSS said. FLX apparel was especially strong, growing more than 50% as the brand expanded to all stores, with a long runway seen ahead. Comparisons to last year’s clearance sales should normalize following the first quarter.

As for the first quarter results, net income swung to a loss of $27 ... Log in to view full article.