Apparel retailer Buckle (NYSE:BKE) has even more to boast about after reporting first-quarter results that were strong across the board. The company isn't the type to brag about itself, but investors are increasingly applauding the favorable trends.

In similar fashion to specialty retailer Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ:BBBY), Buckle's press releases are all business as management lets the numbers speak for themselves. Buckle reported quarterly results this morning that saw total sales growth vault into the double digits at 10.5%. Additionally, same-store sales improved a healthy 6.4% and diluted earnings jumped 29%.

Management's earnings conference call was brief but did shed some light on what drove the strong quarter. CEO Dennis Nelson cited successful inventory management, a positive shopper response to the company's merchandise mix, and a less promotional environment as sale items were cleared from store shelves in past quarters.

Buckle also kept a tight lid on expenses and was able to keep its net margin just above 10%. It ended the quarter with 353 stores, leaving ample room for it to reach 400 locations with its current operating infrastructure. And cash appears to be building up on the balance sheet again; during the earnings call, an analyst asked the company its intentions for any excess liquidity. Management didn't have any insight to offer, but did just pay a $3 special dividend late last year, on top of the current 2.1% dividend yield.

Other than that, it was business as usual at Buckle, and the stock reached another 52-week high, rising around 5% after the earnings release. At some point, the company will likely hit a fashion snag that will send comps into negative territory, but floundering apparel peers such as Pacific Sunwear (NASDAQ:PSUN) and Gap (NYSE:GPS) should look into what straps Buckle into such consistent results. Other struggling retailers such as Finish Line (NASDAQ:FINL) and Pier 1 (NYSE:PIR) may also want to take note.  

For related Foolishness:

Gap and Bed Bath & Beyond are both Motley Fool Stock Advisor and Motley Fool Inside Value picks. Pacific Sunwear is a Stock Advisor recommendation. You can get the Gardner brothers' most recent picks free with a 30-day trial.

Fool contributor Ryan Fuhrmann is long shares of Bed Bath & Beyond and PacSun but has no financial interest in any other company mentioned. The Fool has an ironclad disclosure policy. Feel free to email him with feedback or to discuss any companies mentioned further.