Profit attributable to shareholders at the multi-banner apparel and footwear retailer ticked up 7% to ¥25,931 million ($162.7 mm) over ¥24,336 million for the fiscal first half ended Aug. 31, on 6% net sales growth to ¥202,298 million ($1,265.9 mm) from ¥190,132 million. Gross margin contracted 50 b.p. to 50.9%, while operating expense increased 4% in yen, leveraging 70 b.p. to 33.0% of sales. Domestic sales rose 5% to ¥146,342 million, with a net gain of 7 stores, bringing the total fleet to 1,114. Comps increased 4.5% for the half, as ... Log in to view full article.