JCP comps show modest growth in Q2

PLANO, Texas — While such higher-end apparel retailers as Nordstrom and Dillard's boasted impressive quarterly earnings and sales, those that cater to the middle class didn't deliver quite as strongly. Case in point, JCPenney, which reported net income of $14 million, or 7 cents per share, for the second quarter ended July 30. Net income for the same period last year was $14 million, or 6 cents per share. The company reported that same-store sales for the quarter increased 1.5% thanks to increased interest in its exclusive and private brands and the expansion of Sephora. Total sales were down