One word - dismal. There's nothing else to be said but absolutely dismal. |
Penney is continuing a three- or four-year downfall, |
People are buying things they believe are essentially investments. They are buying homes and cars instead of buying jeans, shoes and toasters. |
People are more inclined these days to make themselves rely on one salary instead of waiting for a Wall Street home run, and that is the background of the economic environment. |
People are not going to go on buying binges. People are deep in debt and deep in hock, |
People are not going to go on buying binges. People are deep in debt and deep in hock. |
People still like to be out. There's a social aspect to this. It's hard to change people's habits. Many people have the day, it's a family day, and retailers have specials. |
People will be jamming the stores, trying things on, ... and developing their Christmas lists. While many (gift) decisions will not be made, the foundation for many decisions will be made. |
Pet food is something that a lot of people need. Clearly, you are exposed to a lot of other things that are in the store. Let's put it this way: the lady might come into the store to buy pet food and might end up buying pet food and some lipstick. |
plays itself out on Main Street U.S.A. in the form of muted retail sales. |
Rebates are wonderful to the extent that they are executed, regardless of the deficit, |
Rebates are wonderful to the extent that they are executed, regardless of the deficit. |
Remember, there are still over 2 million unemployed workers and over 5 million are on part-time jobs. Christmas will be moderately better simply because last year was so bad. But unless this jobs picture improves, it's hard to say that the retail industry has finally turned the corner. |
Retail sales of Martha Stewart products won't suffer in a terminal way because right now Kmart needs Martha more than Martha needs Kmart, ... Her products are selling well because people really like them. |
Retail sales of Martha Stewart products won't suffer in a terminal way because right now Kmart needs Martha more than Martha needs Kmart. Her products are selling well because people really like them. |