William T. Dillard

Little Rock, Ark. -- Dillard’s reported net income for the second quarter, ended July 28, of $31.0 million, up from $17.6 million in the year-ago period. Total merchandise sales rose 2% in the quarter to $1.456 billion, compared with $1.426 billion last year. Same-store sales rose 3%. Dillard’s CEO, William T. Dillard, II, stated, “Continuing on the momentum of a successful first quarter, we are proud to report a 97% increase in second quarter earnings per share. Sales were strongest in ladies’ accessories and lingerie, followed by shoes and cosmetics, the company said. Weakest performing categories were home and

Dillard’s reported that profit for the quarter ended Oct. 29 soared a record 85 percent to $26.6 million, compared with $14.4 million in the year-ago period. Strong comps and contained expenses propelled the strong performance.