Ross Stores Inc, (ROST: chart),said sales and earnings were at the high end of its initial forecast due to broadbased geographic and merchandise trends and said it expects Q3 net income of 24-27 cents a share and Q4 net income of 57-63 cents a share. The figures include stock options expenses.

Estee Lauder, (EL: chart), cosmetics maker, reported its Q4 net income fell 33% to 21 cents a share, from 30 cents a share in the year-ago period. If not for charges, the company earned 49 cents a share in Q4. The company said sales increased 5% to $1.6 billion. The company missed analysts forecasts for earnings of 48 cents a share. The company forecast Q1 net income of 15-20 cents a share.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co, (ANF: chart), teen clothing retailer, reported its Q2 net earnings were 72 cents a share, vs. 63 cents a share in the same period last year. Revenue rose to $658.7 million from $571.6 million. Same store-sales were flat during Q2 compared with a 30% rise in Q2 of 2005. The company beat analyst forecast by a penny.

Tween Brands Inc, (TWB: chart), retailer, reported Q2 net income rose to 18 cents a share, from 12 cents a share in the year-ago period. Net sales rose to $185.8 million from $154.9 million. The company''s earnings were in line with analysts views for it to earn 18 cents a share.

Talbots Inc, (TLB: chart), retailer, reported it swung to a Q2 loss to 7 cents a share, down from a profit of 35 cents a share, hurt by acquisition costs and stock option expenses, topping analyst estimate for a loss of 8 cents a share. Total company same-store sales rose 1.3% for Q2.