US stocks closed firmly in the red on Wednesday and after hours, some stocks went the other direction, though Signet Jewelers Ltd (NYSE:SIG), which took a beating in the regular session, slipped further.

After the bell, the stock eased 1.13% to US$37.79 after the group posted results and revealed it will close more than 200 stores this fiscal year.

Shares of Signet have fallen 43% in the past year.

Elsewhere, bookseller Barnes & Noble Inc (NYSE:BKS) shares gained over 10% after hours to US$5.30 after the retail bookseller declared a quarterly cash dividend of 15 US cents per share.

The firm's board of directors also approved a budget for fiscal 2019 and the group expects growth in the coming fiscal year.

Elsewhere, South Carolina based 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) shares spiked almost 10% after the bell to US$13.33 after posting results.

The 3D printing company reported revenue and earnings that beat analysts' expectations. Its earnings report had initially been intended to be released in late February but was pushed back to March.

3D Systems Earnings: Revenue Grows 7%, Driven by Strength in Services; Stock Pops 8% https://t.co/GdB1cyQIP5 #3Dprinting pic.twitter.com/wm6dbHcHUQ

— 3DLT.com (@3dtemplates) 15 March 2018

Meanwhile,  shares in Williams-Sonoma Inc (NYSE:WSM) added  4.15% after the bell to US$55.93 each after the consumer retail company reported earnings per share (EPS) and revenue, which beat Wall Street's estimates.

Guidance for the upcoming quarter and year are both strong. The company has also raised its dividend by 10% and increased its stock buyback plan to US$500 million.