Limited Chains' Comps Soar

COLUMBUS, OH-The same-store sales of Limited Brands’ two largest chains, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret both soared, rising 11% during the second quarter. But the performance of the Express and Limited chains brought the company’s overall comparable sales down to 5% for the period, which ended July 29.

Express same-store sales plunged 11%, and Limited posted a 4% dip. Overall net sales increased to nearly $2.5 billion from just under $2.3 billion during last year’s second quarter.

Though all categories at Victoria’s secret experienced sales growth, operating income was flat, at $206 million, due to a decline in margins. Body Works’ $94-million operating income was up 25% boosted, in part, by what one executive called the chain’s “best Mother’s Day ever.” Together Express and Limited both lost $31 million.