Women's apparel retailer Dress Barn (NASDAQ: DBRN) took its turn in the earnings confessional this morning, reporting a 38% increase in fourth-quarter profit. The company posted a profit of $33.6 million, or 48 cents per share, up from $24.4 million (35 cents) in the year-ago period.

Excluding unique items, DBRN would have earned 45 cents per share, topping analysts' expectations of 42 cents. Sales were up 11% during the reporting period to $379.9 million - above the consensus view of $377.1 million - and same-store sales grew by 5%.

DBRN officials were realistic about the current economic environment, however. While the trendier maurices brand has continued to post strong sales, economic concerns have indirectly resulted in greater-than-expected inventory levels at the eponymous Dressbarn chain. As a result, first-quarter markdowns have increased. For fiscal 2008, Dress Barn expects to earn between $1.40 and $1.50 per share, below analysts' outlook of $1.54 per share (before items). Same-store sales are expected to rise 3% to 4%.