Belk: Fiscal 2012 sales, profit grew in ?one of best years ever? for retailer

Charlotte-based Belk, Inc. reported Thursday that its sales and profits grew in fiscal 2012, as the retailer completed its rebranding efforts and remodeled dozens of stores.The department store chain said sales increased to $3.7 billion in fiscal 2012, up 5.3 percent compared to the year before. Profits rose 43.5 percent, to $183.1 million.?Our financial performance last year was one of the strongest ever for Belk,? said CEO Tim Belk, in a statement. ?We are encouraged about the year ahead.? Sales at stores open a year or more, considered a key measure of a retailer?s health, grew 5.5 percent. Belk