Dive Brief:

• The Children’s Place Q4 net earnings fell 18% to $15.7 million, down from $19.1 million a year ago.

• Sales at stores open at least a year fell 4.3%.

• Discounts and bad weather were contributors to a poor showing for the year, the company said.

Dive Insight:

The Children’s Place has faced challenges this year, but has mostly kept a tight reign on expenses and inventory. While children's clothing retailers have not seen the troubles felt by teen and tween apparel companies, they are vulnerable to many of the same issues. The discount pressure plus discouraging weather kept sales down, especially in the later part of year. Warmer weather will help determine whether the company’s struggles will abate. For now it’s “wait and see.”