Another Drab Quarter for Women's Retailers

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- If you are looking to find a recovery in retail, women's apparel retailer isn't the place to look.

Most women's clothiers recorded a loss during their second quarter or missed Wall Street's forecast.

They Just Don't Get Chico's!

New York & Company (NWY Quote) said Wednesday that it swung to a loss in its second quarter, but results matched analysts' expectations, sending shares up 3% to close at $4.91.

The company recorded a quarterly loss of $4.8 million, or 8 cents a share, compared with a profit of $8.8 million, or 14 cents, in the year-ago period.

Revenue declined 16% to $247.8 million from $295.7 million, while same-store sales sank 16.4%.

But like many of its rivals, analysts say the company is improving its merchandise.

Coldwater Creek (CWTR Quote) also reported a loss of $4.9 million, or 5 cents a share, compared with a profit of $3.1 million, or 3 cents, in the second quarter last year.

But even though the loss was in line with analysts' view, shares plunged 8% to $6.61 in after-market trading.

Sales slipped nearly 7% to $225.2 million from $241.4 million and total same-store sales tanked 10.2%.

Last week AnnTaylor Stores(ANN Quote) swung to a second-quarter loss , but it too beat expectations and raised guidance.

On the flip side, plus-size retailer Charming Shoppes (CHRS Quote) moved into the black in its second quarter, but results were below analysts' expectations.