Hudson’s Bay Company reports $142-million loss in second quarter results

TORONTO – Hudson’s Bay Company (TSX:HBC) reported a net loss of $142 million in its second-quarter 2016 financial results compared to net earnings of $59 million for the same period last year.

But the Toronto-based retailer also saw consolidated retail sales rise to $3.25 billion for the quarter ending July 30, an increase of 59.6 per cent. That was primarily the result of the addition of HBC Europe and online shopping business Gilt, as well as growth in comparable sales of 1.9 per cent, the company said.

Still, on a constant currency basis Hudson’s Bay said total comparable sales declined by 1.3 per cent. While comparable sales grew 1.1 per cent at their Lord & Taylor, Hudson’s Bay and Home Outfitter banners, those were offset by declines of 0.9 per cent at HBC Europe, 11.4 per cent at HBC Off Price and 1.3 per cent at Saks Fifth Avenue.

HBC CEO Jerry Storch said despite uncertainty in the retail industry, the company remains focused on executing on its long-term strategy for profitable growth.

The company said it’s bringing industry-leading robotic technology to Canada, which it expects will reduce digital order processing time and generate significant savings.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said consolidated retail sales rose to $3.25 million.