I continue to believe that the effects of higher gas prices on the consumer are overestimated. Most of the important measures of discretionary spending such as furniture, lawn and garden and food sales held up nicely. |
I expect this number to rise toward the end of the year. At the same time jobs and wages won't rise fast enough to offer relief to already overstretched consumers. This could hurt retail spending in the second-half. |
I think it's kind of funny they're changing roles, but I'm also getting the impression that, over the past two years, there seems to be a trend to moving top management around so they get more well-rounded experience. I think that's a good move and maybe a part of the company's succession plan. |
I'm expecting the holidays to be a stimulating environment for (sales) growth, ... But the deeper discounts could also mean that profit margins will be off for some retailers. |
If spending on durable goods slows down, it could also weaken sales of consumer electronics, especially on big ticket items that have a higher profit margin but are interest rate sensitive. |
If trade relations between the United States and China begin to deteriorate, and the dollar declines in a disorderly manner, then a minor thing such as raw cotton prices could become very important, |
If Wal-Mart's December comparable sales do go up 3 percent, that means they did much better in the last two weeks of the month, |
If Wal-Mart's December comparable sales do go up 3 percent, that means they did much better in the last two weeks of the month. |
It ended up a pretty good season. The retailers that didn't do well did it to themselves. |
It's basically the same formula that we saw last year because once again there's an absence of a must-have item, |
It's great if you attract lower income shoppers looking for low prices, but what if those shoppers who were really struggling between 2000 and 2003 now have jobs? They might be spending more and looking for different merchandise...maybe something Wal-Mart doesn't have, |
It's great if you attract lower income shoppers looking for low prices, but what if those shoppers who were really struggling between 2000 and 2003 now have jobs? They might be spending more and looking for different merchandise...maybe something Wal-Mart doesn't have. |
It's just a number. Vendors are worried about getting purchase orders, and getting paid. That's a real concern. But investors are worried about getting on the momentum express before it leaves the station. |
January is not just clearance month anymore. It's winter-season full-price selling, because Christmas and holiday merchandising is really promotional. These days, that's when you see the really deep discounts. |
July sales were weaker than expected. Summer can be a volatile season for retailers but I am a little surprised by the weakness in apparel. I'll be keeping an eye on discretionary spending going forward. |