Talbots Inc. reported yesterday that profits more than doubled despite signs of a weak economy, while home goods retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc. said profits for the fourth quarter fell 9 percent.
Williams-Sonoma's slip was a result of a tough holiday season, which prompted the retailer to apply deep markdowns to clear the way for its spring inventory.
The company reported a net income of $44.5 million for the quarter, which ended Jan. 28, down from $48.7 million a year earlier. Williams-Sonoma, San Francisco, operates Williams-Sonoma, Grand Cuisine, Pottery Barn and Hold Everything stores and catalogs.
Talbots, however, was enjoying its gain and moved merchandise with few markdowns, despite a dismal retail climate.
The Hingham, MA, company reported that net income for the fourth quarter, which ended Feb. 3, rose to $33 million from $15.3 million a year ago.
