US producer of casual and golf apparel Hartmarx Corporation has reported significantly improved financial results for the second quarter ended May 31.

Second quarter revenues increased to $155.9 million from $152.6 million in 2006, whilst net earnings improved to $5.4 million compared with $3.9 million year. However, for the first six months revenues slipped $276 million from $296.8 million, whilst net earnings fell to $2 million from $6.5 million.

Commenting on the improvement in the second quarter Homi Patel, chairman and CEO said, “We are pleased that we are starting to realise the benefits of our strategy of investing more in product lines and categories serving the better, bridge and luxury price points while reducing our exposure to the mainstream department store channel. While having a significant adverse impact on our 2006 operating results and through the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the actions initiated last year to discontinue and reduce several moderate priced tailored clothing lines and to close three production facilities were necessary to address the disruptive environment prevalent in this channel.”

Hartmarx produces apparel under its own brands including Hart Schaffner Marx, Hickey-Freeman, Coppley, Keithmoor, Society Brand, Racquet Club, Naturalife, Pusser's of the West Indies, Royal, Brannoch, Sansabelt, Barrie Pace, Eye, Pine IV, Wörn, One Girl Who, Zooey and b.chyll. In addition, the company holds licensing agreements to market products for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Ted Baker, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Claiborne, DKNY, Pierre Cardin, Perry Ellis, Lyle & Scott, Golden Bear, Jag and Starington.