Limited Brands Q1
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Bath & Body Works sales advanced 6.3% to $386.1 mil. in the first quarter and comp store sales were up 4%, while operating income fell 6.2% to $24.5 mil., Limited Brands reports in earnings release May 17. B&BW will launch hair care under its Signature Collection as well as new fragrances under Breathe fragrant body care following the June semi-annual sale, firm notes during May 18 analyst call. Retailer also is planning additional line extensions for Patricia Wexler MD, which bowed last fall (1"The Rose Sheet" July 4, 2005, p. 3). B&BW stores currently feature a "beach beauty" theme with the launch of tropical Temptations and the relaunch of True Blue Spa, and the store's retail catalog debuted during Q1 with second book planned for fall, firm reports. Victoria's Secret Beauty exceeded expectations in Q1 driven mainly by Beauty Rush, Bare Bronze and Pure Paradise brands, division reports. Victoria's Secret net sales grew 10.1% to $1.05 bil. and comp stores sales were up 8%...