Merry-Go-Round Enterprises Inc.

This Joppa-based apparel chain, which sells contemporary clothes for young men and women, continued its strong performance in the face of a weak economy by increasing its profits almost 32 percent in the first quarter, which ended May 4, compared to the same period a year ago.

Sales at stores open a year or more increased 12 percent in the quarter Chief Executive Michael Sullivan pointed out that the jump came on top of a 42 percent increase in same-store sales in the first quarter a year ago.

The retailer operates 750 retail stores in 38 states under its Merry-Go-Round, Cignal, Dejaiz, Attivo, Silverman and Boogies Diner banners.