Jones Apparel Still Has Wrinkles

SAN FRANCISCO -- Jones Apparel(JNY Quote) is on the mend, but it still has a long way to go.

The clothing and accessories maker handily topped estimates for the third quarter, but its sales and operating profits continued to decline.

The company -- owner of fashion brands such as Nine West, Anne Klein and Bandolino -- pointed to unseasonably warm weather and a weak economic climate as reasons for the continued sales weakness. Moreover, it said it remains cautious about these factors heading into the key holiday season. ...