Rue21 profit up 21% in first quarter

Warrendale, Pa. -- Rue21 reported Thursday that profit for the quarter ended April 28 rose 20.6% to $11.6 million, from $9.6 million in the same quarter last year. Net sales increased 18.9% to $205.6 million, from $172.9 million. Same-store sales for the quarter edged up 1.7%. Bob Fisch, president and CEO said the company is staying its small- and mid-market growth course. “Through our real estate expansion we are gaining market share in small and mid-size markets around the country,” he said.