By Doc Louallen
Shares of Bassett Furniture advanced after the furniture manufacturer reported higher profit in the second quarter, helped by improved retail performance.
The stock gained 8.6%, to $20.41, midday Thursday and is up 22% this year.
Bassett reported net income of $2 million, or 24 cents a share, compared with $1.9 million, or 22 cents a share, a year earlier. Retail sales increased 2.4%, while overall revenue edged down 0.7%, to $83.8 million.
Chief Executive Officer Robert Spilman said a Memorial Day event lifted sales and traffic, and that more efficient digital marketing and direct mail helped drive customers to stores and the website.
Write to Doc Louallen at Doc.Louallen@wsj.com