Foot Locker says not providing EPS forecast

NEW YORK, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Foot Locker Inc's (FL.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) chief financial officer said on Thursday the retailer did not believe it was "appropriate" to provide a specific earnings forecast for the fall season, citing the challenging U.S. athletic apparel retail environment and its decision to close underperforming stores.

Robert McHugh also said the retailer was planning its business more conservatively for its third and fourth quarters than it had been at the beginning of the year. He made the comments on a conference call. Foot Locker reported a second-quarter net loss on Wednesday, as markdowns and falling sales at stores open at least a year hurt results.

(Reporting by Nicole Maestri)

((Editing by Gerald E. McCormick; Reuters Messaging: nicole.maestri.reuters.com@reuters.net; (646) 223-6173)) Keywords: FOOTLOCKER OUTLOOK/

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