(CHARLOTTE) -- The Cato Corp. reported second quarter net income of $17.3 million. This compared to net income of $18.1 million during the second quarter of 2011.

"As we have noted all year, same-store sales have been volatile and have been affected by our customers' uncertainty regarding the country's economic and political situation," said John Cato, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.  "We expect this difficult environment to continue in the second half.  We expect earnings per diluted share for second half of the year will be within our original guidance range of $.50 to $.59."

Second quarter sales for the Charlotte-based discount women's apparel retailer were $231.5 million. That's down 1 percent from sales of $234.1 million last year in the second quarter..  Second quarter same-store sales decreased 4 percent.