Delia’s Narrows Losses

Delia’s Inc. posted a net loss of $4.7 million for the second quarter, compared t a net loss of $6.6 million in the prior year.

The direct marketer and retailer reported revenue of $45.7 million for the quarter ended Aug. 1, a 2.4% increase over $44.6 million last year.

The New York company reported that direct marketing revenue increased 4.9% to $22.1 million, or 48.2% of total revenue.

In addition, the firm reported that gross margin was 32.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2009, compared to 33.7% in the prior year quarter.

Management attributed this increased clearance sales in the direct segment that partially offset by an improvement in merchandise margin at retail.