Cherokee 2Q Profit Falls 29 Percent As Sales Drop

VAN NUYS, Calif. (AP) — Clothing retailer Cherokee Inc. said Tuesday that its second-quarter profit fell 29 percent as sales dropped sharply.

The Van Nuys, Calif.-based company earned $2.9 million, or 32 cents per share, in the three months that ended Aug. 1. That is down from the $4 million, or 45 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue fell 23 percent to $8.1 million from $10.5 million.

The company said retail sales fell as less merchandise was sold at Target. Cherokee also lost revenue from the loss of Sideout sales, which used to be sold at the now defunct Mervyn's.

Cherokee shares rose 50 cents, or 2.5 percent, to $20.85 in afternoon trading.