Blue Holdings Inc. reported a third quarter net loss of $400,000 (-2 cents per share), a drastic decrease from a profit of $2.4 million (9 cents) for the same period a year earlier.

Sales for the Commerce-based apparel maker were up nearly 5 percent to $14.6 million, late deliveries for both Taverniti and Antik brands this summer causing cancellations from key accounts as well as a loss of re-orders, the company said.

Shares in Blue holdings closed up 16 cents to $2.36 Tuesday.