Richmond, Va.-based Circuit City Stores Inc., the...

Richmond, Va.-based Circuit City Stores Inc., the nation’s largest specialty retailer of brand name consumer electronics and appliances, posted record sales and earnings for the third quarter ended Nov. 30. Sales were up 56% and profit 130% from the same period a year ago. The firm’s strong performance in the first half of the fiscal year continued into the third quarter, a spokesman said. Results for the three months reflect a 17% comparable store sales increase and December sales to date are following the pattern of the third quarter, he added.