Citi Trends, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTRN) today announced that it will provide an online simulcast of its presentation to the investment community at the 2008 Wachovia Consumer Growth Conference in New York on October 14 - 15, 2008. The Company's presentation will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at 11:15 a.m. ET.

The live simulcast of Citi Trend's presentation will be available online at the Company's web site, http://ir.cititrends.com/. The online replay will be available shortly after the live presentation and will continue for 30 days.

About Citi Trends

Citi Trends, Inc. is a value-priced retailer of urban fashion apparel and accessories for the entire family. The Company currently operates 337 stores located in 21 states in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions and the state of Texas. Citi Trends’ website address is www.cititrends.com.

The Finish Line, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq: FINL) today announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Glenn S. Lyon, currently President of Finish Line, as the Company's next Chief Executive Officer following the planned retirement of Alan H. Cohen, effective December 1, 2008. Mr. Cohen will remain Chairman of the Finish Line Board of Directors.

    Upon his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lyon is expected to join The Finish Line's Board and Steven Schneider, currently the Company's Chief Operating Officer, will assume the additional role of President of Finish Line.

    Mr. Cohen said, "Since we opened the first Finish Line store in July 1982, this company has grown from a single store in Indiana into a nationally recognized leader in athletic footwear and apparel operating almost 700 stores in 47 states and online. The Company's growth at Finish Line and at Man Alive is a testament to our focus on outstanding service and premium brands as well as the talented team we have established. After 32 years in the business and our company on solid footing, this is the right time for me to retire and pass the baton to a team who I know can build on our success."

    "Glenn Lyon is a seasoned executive with a strong background in merchandising and sales, and deep knowledge of our company and our industry," continued Mr. Cohen. "He understands the opportunities we have,
the challenges retailers face, and the actions needed to capitalize on them. We are fortunate to have a leader of his caliber to assume the CEO role."

    "As we welcome Glenn and Steve into their new roles, we want to thank Alan for his guidance and service to the Company. We are delighted that we will continue to benefit from his expertise as Chairman of the Board," said Bill Kirkendall, a director of The Finish Line Board. "With continued strong leadership, we expect a seamless transition as we move forward with our efforts to drive enhanced value and profitable growth."

    Mr. Lyon said, "The Finish Line is a special company with more than 13,000 employees who share a passion for our business and a determination to create the leading athletic retailer. I am proud of what we have accomplished and am equally confident in The Finish Line's future. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team as well as our talented employees to continue the progress we are making to further strengthen and grow The Finish Line."

    Alan H. Cohen, a co−founder of the Company, served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from May 1982 until October 2003. In October 2003, Mr. Cohen stepped down from the Presidency and is currently the Chairman of the Board and CEO. Since 1976, Mr. Cohen has been involved in the athletic retail business as principal co−founder of Athletic Enterprises, Inc. (one of the predecessor companies of the Company, which operated franchised Athlete's Foot stores in Indiana). Mr. Cohen is an attorney, and practiced law from 1973 through
1981.

    Glenn S. Lyon has 35 years of sales and merchandising experience in the retail industry and seven years of experience with The Finish Line, serving most recently as President of Finish Line. He joined Finish Line in 2001 as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. Prior to joining the Company, he served as President/CEO of Paul Harris Stores, Inc., a women's apparel retailer, from March 2000 to February 2001. From October 1995 to February 2000, he held positions as President and General Merchandising Manager of Modern Woman Stores. Mr. Lyon also spent eight years with TJX Company as Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. Mr. Lyon started his career in February 1973 at Macy's N.Y., where he spent ten years in various merchandising positions.

    Steven J. Schneider has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since October 2003. Mr. Schneider joined Finish Line in April 1989 as Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. From August 1984 to March 1989, Mr. Schneider was employed as Assistant Controller for Paul Harris Stores, Inc., a women's apparel retailer. Mr. Schneider, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, was employed by a national accounting firm for two years and has been engaged in various financial positions in the retail industry for almost 30 years.

Finish Line

Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO.) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended August 24, 2008 and filed its third quarter 2008 results on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Highlights include:

		Three Months Ended				% Increase
($ millions)		August 24, 2008		August 26, 2007		As Reported
Net revenues		$1,111		$1,051		6%
Net income		$69		$61		14%

Higher net revenues reflected growth in each of the company’s three regions. The increase in net revenues was primarily driven by currency, the addition of brand-dedicated retail stores worldwide and sales growth at existing stores. Revenues were adversely impacted by wholesale customer Chapter 11 filings in the United States during the second and third quarters, and slower performance in certain markets impacted by weakening economic conditions. The net income increase in the third quarter compared to the same period in 2007 primarily reflected lower interest expense.

The ongoing stabilization of the company’s U.S. enterprise resource planning (ERP) system led to improved order fulfillment and lower costs in the third quarter compared to the second quarter.

"I am pleased with our solid third-quarter performance,” said John Anderson, president and chief executive officer. “All three of our regions grew, demonstrating that our global strategies are working even in the face of difficult economic conditions around the world. The Levi’s® brand is performing well globally. And our emerging markets and expanding retail network continue to provide revenue growth.

“Looking at the balance of the year, we are very mindful that economic conditions are deteriorating in many of our key markets around the world. In this challenging environment, we are continuing to invest in the business, including launching our first-ever global Levi’s® 501® campaign,” added Mr. Anderson.

Third Quarter 2008 Highlights

• Gross profit in the third quarter increased to $532 million compared with $486 million for the same period in 2007. Gross margin for the third quarter increased to 47.9 percent of revenues compared with 46.3 percent of revenues in the third quarter of 2007. Gross margin benefited from a change in the sales mix, increased company-operated store sales and lower sourcing costs.
• Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the third quarter increased to $385 million from $343 million in the same period of 2007. Increased expenses in the 2008 period include the effect of currency exchange, higher selling costs related to additional company-operated retail stores and higher expense related to the U.S. ERP stabilization. SG&A in the third quarter of 2007 was positively impacted by a $14 million benefit plan curtailment gain that was not repeated in the 2008 period.
• Operating income for the third quarter was $144 million compared with $143 million for the same period of 2007. Higher regional operating income in the 2008 period was partially offset by higher corporate expenses. The increase in corporate expenses was largely a result of lower expenses in the third quarter of 2007 due to the benefit plan curtailment gain.
• Interest expense for the third quarter decreased to $37 million compared to $53 million in the third quarter of 2007. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower average interest rates and lower debt levels during the quarter compared to last year.

Regional Overview

Regional net revenues for the quarter were as follows:

						% Increase (Decrease)
Net Revenues ($ millions)		August 24, 2008		August 26, 2007		As Reported		Constant Currency
Americas		$649		$640		1%		1%
Europe		$306		$265		16%		3%
Asia Pacific		$156		$147		6%		3%

• Net revenues in the Americas’ region increased slightly, despite the impact of U.S. customer Chapter 11 filings during the second and third quarters. The increase mostly reflected higher sales from company-operated retail stores.
• Net revenues in Europe increased on a reported and constant currency basis. The increase in net revenues on a constant currency basis reflected the addition of new company-operated and franchise retail stores, partially offset by weaker wholesale performance in certain markets.
• Net revenues in Asia Pacific increased on a reported and constant currency basis. Revenues in the company’s emerging markets in Asia Pacific continued to grow, partially offset by declines in certain of the company’s mature markets in the region.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

The company ended the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $125 million, a decrease of $31 million from November 25, 2007. Cash provided by operating activities was $151 million for the nine months of 2008, compared with $127 million for the same period in 2007, primarily reflecting lower interest payments, offset by lower operating income during the nine-month period. Total debt was $1.9 billion at the end of the third quarter. During the nine-month period, the company reduced long-term debt by $77 million in addition to paying a $50 million cash dividend to common stockholders during the second quarter.

Investor Conference Call

The company’s third-quarter 2008 investor conference call will be available through a live audio Webcast at www.levistrauss.com/Financials/EarningsWebcasts.aspx today, October 2, 2008, at 1 p.m. PDT/4 p.m. EDT. A replay is available on the Web site the same day and will be archived for one month. A telephone replay also is available through October 9, 2008 at 800-642-1687 in the United States and Canada, or 706-645-9291 internationally; I.D. No. 65542257.

This is only a portion of the Levi press release.  For full details, check their website.

The board of directors of Genesco Inc. (NYSE: GCO) has declared dividends on the various classes of its preferred stock for the quarter ending November 1, 2008, payable on October 30, 2008, to shareholders of record on October 15, 2008.

    The rates are as follows:
    -- Subordinated serial preferred stock:
           Series 1           $0.575 per share
           Series 3           $1.1875 per share
           Series 4           $1.1875 per share

    -- Subordinated cumulative preferred stock: $0.375 per share

Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer, sells footwear, headwear and accessories in more than 2,150 retail stores in the United States and Canada, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Johnston & Murphy, Underground Station, Hatworld, Lids, Hat Shack, Hat Zone, Head Quarters and Cap Connection, and on internet websites
http://www.journeys.com , http://www.journeyskidz.com , http://www.shibyjourneys.com , http://www.undergroundstation.com , http://www.johnstonmurphy.com , http://www.lids.com and http://www.lidskids.com . The Company also sells footwear at wholesale under its Johnston & Murphy brand and under the licensed Dockers brand. Additional information on Genesco and its operating divisions may be accessed at its website http://www.genesco.com .

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Reports 25th Consecutive Quarter of Record Results; Increases Full Year EPS Estimate

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW) today reported record sales and earnings for the third quarter of 2008, the Company's 25th consecutive quarter of record revenue and earnings per share results.

    Revenue totaled $318.9 million in the quarter ended September 6, 2008, a 2.8% increase over revenue of $310.2 million in the prior year. Fully diluted earnings per share were $0.62 versus $0.54 in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of 14.8%. For the first three quarters of 2008, revenue reached $874.5 million, a 3.9% gain over the $841.5 million reported for the first three quarters of 2007. Year-to-date reported earnings per share were $1.41 per share, up 16.4% from $1.21 per share for the same period of 2007.

    
Based on the strength of reported third quarter results and its diversified global business model, the Company is raising its full-year earnings guidance to a range of $1.87 to $1.92 per fully diluted share on a revised revenue range of $1.220 to $1.240 billion. The revised earnings per share range represents growth of 10% to 13% over 2007 earnings per share of $1.70.

    The Company will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EDT today to discuss these results and current business trends. To listen to the call at the Company's website, go to http://www.wolverineworldwide.com, click on "Investors" in the navigation bar, and then click "Webcast" from the top navigation bar of the "Investors" page. To listen to the webcast, your computer must have Windows Media Player, which can be downloaded for free on the Wolverine World Wide website. In addition, the conference call can be heard at http://www.streetevents.com. A replay of the call will be available at the Company's website through October 15, 2008.

    With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates(R), Hush
Puppies(R), HYTEST(R), Merrell(R), Sebago(R) and Wolverine(R). The Company also is the exclusive footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT(R), Harley-Davidson(R) and Patagonia(R). The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in nearly 200 countries and territories.

Above is only PORTION of the companies news release.  For the full news, visit their website. » Read More

Tween Brands, Inc. (NYSE: TWB) has scheduled a live audio webcast of remarks made by Michael W. Rayden, chairman and chief executive officer, October 2 at the RBC Capital Markets Consumer Conference in New York.

Rayden and executives of other specialty retailers will address the topic “Adapting to the Difficult Environment” beginning at 10:00a.m. EDT. Rayden’s remarks and the question-and-answer session with investors, featuring all participants, can be accessed through the Internet at http://phx.corporate-ir.net/ phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=61045&eventID=1928868 (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists). The webcast will also be available after the live event.

During the conference, which runs October 2-3, Tween Brands expects to reaffirm its earnings per share guidance for the second half of fiscal year 2008 of $0.35 to $0.65 inclusive of a $0.45 restructuring charge.

About Tween Brands, Inc.

Tween Brands, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer for tweens (ages 7 to 14). At Limited Too, the company sells sportswear, related accessories and key lifestyle items for active, fashion-aware tween girls. Limited Too currently operates 588 stores across the United States, and has 32 international franchised stores. Limited Too publishes a catazine coinciding with key tween shopping times throughout the year and conducts e-commerce on its Web site, www.limitedtoo.com.

Justice is the company’s value-oriented specialty retail concept for tween girls, offering moderately-priced sportswear, accessories and lifestyle items in predominantly off-the-mall store sites. Justice currently operates 321 stores across the United States, the locations of which can be found on its Web site, www.shopjustice.com. Justice also publishes a catazine for its tween customers and conducts e-commerce on its Web site, www.shopjustice.com.

Stage Stores, Inc. (NYSE:SSI) today announced that as part of its planned succession process, effective November 3, 2008, Jim Scarborough, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will be retiring after more than eight years with the Company. Scarborough, 58, will continue as Chairman of the Board. Upon the effective date of Scarborough’s retirement, Andrew Hall, President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Hall, 47, who joined the Company in February 2006, will also continue to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors.

As President and CEO, Hall will be responsible for the continued development and execution of the Company’s strategic long term growth plans, and will oversee all daily operational aspects of the business.

“I have worked with Andy for almost 3 years, and I am confident that he is the right choice to lead Stage Stores,” said Scarborough. “His unique combination of strategic vision and hands-on management experience will allow him to successfully lead our company through years of profitable future growth.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to so many people for their help and support during the last eight years, and for having had the privilege of leading this wonderful company. I look forward to serving in my continued role as Chairman of our Board of Directors, and I know I will enjoy watching Andy take our company to even greater heights in the years ahead,” Scarborough concluded.

“We want to sincerely thank Jim for the outstanding job that he did as our CEO, and for his invaluable contributions to our Company,” commented Hall. “Jim not only played the lead role in our successful reorganization efforts, but he was also instrumental in bringing about many needed changes and improvements in our business. Jim has been an outstanding leader of our Company and we wish him the very best as he begins this new phase of his life.

“As President and COO for nearly 3 years, I have had the opportunity to work on every aspect of our business, which will ensure a very smooth transition. I look forward to assuming the position of President and CEO, and to collaborating with the other members of our Stage management team, as we work to strengthen our position as the leading small town retailer of nationally branded family apparel,” Hall concluded.

Stage Stores, Inc. brings nationally recognized brand name apparel, accessories, cosmetics and footwear for the entire family to small and mid-size towns and communities through 729 stores located in 38 states. The Company operates under the Bealls, Palais Royal and Stage names throughout the South Central, Southwestern and Northwestern states, and under the Peebles name throughout the Midwestern, Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic and New England states. For more information about Stage Stores, visit the Company’s web site at www.stagestores.com.

NIKE, Inc. yesterday announced financial results for its fiscal 2009 first quarter ended August 31, 2008. Revenue grew 17 percent to $5.4 billion, compared to $4.7 billion for the same period last year. Changes in currency exchange rates increased revenue growth by 7 percentage points for the quarter. First quarter net income decreased 10 percent to $510.5 million, compared to $569.7 million in the prior year. Diluted earnings per share decreased 8 percent to $1.03, versus $1.12 last year. In the prior year’s first quarter, the Company received a one-time tax benefit of $105.4 million, which contributed $0.20 per diluted share. Adjusted for this prior year benefit, net income and earnings per share would have grown 10% and 12%, respectively.

“Nike’s first-quarter results reflect the strength of our brands and our global business,” said NIKE, Inc. President and CEO Mark Parker. “Our relentless focus on product innovation and premium consumer experiences generated balanced growth across every region and market share gains in key categories.”

Parker concluded, “Nike is able to connect with consumers and energize the market like nobody else. As we combine that with running a strong and smart business, we generate new growth, deliver strong cash flows, and create greater value for our shareholders.”(1)

Futures Orders

The Company reported worldwide futures orders for athletic footwear and apparel, scheduled for delivery from September 2008 through January 2009, totaling $6.8 billion, 10 percent higher than such orders reported for the same period last year. Changes in currency exchange rates increased reported orders growth by 1 percentage point.(1)

By region, futures orders for the U.S. were up 3 percent; Europe (which includes the Middle East and Africa) increased 4 percent; and Asia Pacific and the Americas each grew 27 percent. Changes in currency exchange rates did not have a significant impact on reported futures orders growth in Europe, but did increase reported futures orders growth by 3 percentage points in the Asia Pacific and Americas regions.

Regional Highlights

U.S.

During the first quarter, U.S. revenues increased 8 percent to $1.8 billion versus $1.6 billion for same period last year. U.S. athletic footwear revenues increased 9 percent to $1.2 billion. Apparel revenues increased 9 percent to $464.4 million. Equipment revenues were flat with last year at $97.7 million. U.S. pre-tax income increased 1 percent to $351.9 million.

Europe

First quarter revenues for the European region grew 20 percent to $1.8 billion from $1.5 billion for the same period last year. Changes in currency exchange rates increased revenue growth by 15 percentage points. Footwear revenues increased 24 percent to $982.4 million. Apparel revenues grew by 15 percent to $649.7 million and equipment revenues increased 20 percent to $146.6 million. Pre-tax income increased 17 percent to $442.4 million.

Asia Pacific

In the first quarter, revenues in the Asia Pacific region grew 36 percent to $860.6 million compared to $633.7 million a year ago. Changes in currency exchange rates increased revenue growth by 10 percentage points. Footwear revenues were up 37 percent to $454.0 million, apparel revenues increased 38 percent to $332.7 million and equipment revenues grew 21 percent to $73.9 million. Pre-tax income increased 15 percent to $185.5 million.

Americas

Revenues in the Americas region increased 26 percent to $355.7 million, an improvement from $282.0 million for the same period last year. Currency exchange rates contributed 7 percentage points to this growth rate. Footwear revenues were up 24 percent to $245.8 million, apparel revenues increased 36 percent to $79.4 million and equipment revenues grew 21 percent to $30.5 million. Pre-tax income was up 18 percent to $69.1 million.

This article is only a small portion of the Nike press release.  For full details, please visit their site.