Urban Outfitters Reports Surprise Rise in Sales

Apparel retailer Urban Outfitters reported a surprise rise in quarterly same-store sales as demand recovered for its Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters lines of clothing.

The company said total comparable sales rose 1 percent in the first quarter, compared with the 0.5 percent decline analysts on average had expected, according to research firm Consensus Metrix.

The growth was driven by more compelling product assortments, improved inventory management and stronger marketing, Chief Executive Richard Hayne said in a statement.. . . more