Why Out-of-stocks, Data Mismatch, and Hidden Demand Still Catch Out Beauty Brands When beauty brands review retail performance, the picture often looks reassuring. Availability appears high. Sales reports feel complete. Forecasts are built on what was sold. But our conversations with brands working directly with Ulta and Sephora reveal a more complicated reality. One where... Read more »
Dillard’s announced its Q2 2015 earnings report on Thursday, with higher than expected results. Net sales rose 2.7% year over year to $1,513.8 million. Total revenue improved 2.5% from same period last year, reaching $1,550.8 million versus $1,512.9 in 2014. Merchandise same-store comparisons was up 1% from 2014. Categories that over performed were shoes, followed… Read more »
Nordstrom announced Thursday total net sales increased 9%, with comparable sales of $3.6 billion increasing 4.9 % over Q2 2014. Comparable sales increases by channel were: US stores up 0.8%, Nordstrom.com up 20%. Top performing merchandise categories were cosmetics and women’s apparel. Top performing regions were the Southwest and Southeast. Ending inventory increased 11% over… Read more »
Macy’s delivered their quarterly earnings today, stating that earnings and revenue fell short of expectations. They also announced a revision in its 2015 sales forecast. Analysts expected earnings per share of $0.76 and revenue of $6.23 billion. Macy’s earned $0.64 per share, down from $0.80 this quarter last year. Revenue fell to $6.1 billion from… Read more »
Lowe’s used feedback from professional customers to test and launch an improved LowesforPros.com website. Professional customers can make and track purchases of more than a half a million items via computer, tablet or smartphone. Customers can choose to buy online and pick-up in store or have their orders delivered directly to their business or job… Read more »
The volume of import cargo for major US retailers is expected to increase 3.6% in August 2015 from August 2014, as retailers prepare to stock for the holiday season. Imports for the year, according to the National Retail Federation, is expected to be up 4.2% from 2014. Some retailers are paying less to transport their… Read more »
Dropping tourism numbers and consumers saving rather than spending money saved from lower gas prices will affect retailer earnings announcements, say industry analysts. Several retailers will be making earnings announcements this week: Macy’s on Wednesday, Dillard’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom on Thursday, and JC Penney on Friday. Analysts report that value retailers with loyalty programs like… Read more »
US consumer confidence declined 5.3 points in July, dropping to the lowest point since November 2014. The majority of those surveyed, 70.8%, believe the economy is fair or poor, and 41.4% believe it is getting worse. The perception of personal finances remained stagnant, a greater percentage this month felt finances were getting worse. 47.2% report… Read more »
US labor costs rose a seasonally adjusted 0.2% in the spring, the slowest pace in three decades. It is the slowest quarterly gain since record keeping began in 1982. Economists were expecting a 0.6% increase. The slow wage growth could affect the Fed’s decision to raise short-term interest rates. Fed officials anticipated an acceleration in… Read more »
US economic growth in second quarter 2015 saw a 2.3% increase in gross domestic product over first quarter. This gain was boosted by 2.9% growth in consumer spending. Also, consumer personal savings rate went down to 4/8% from 5.2%, showing that consumers are starting to open their wallets and start spending again. Business investment for… Read more »
Lowe’s Canada is expanding, announcing that in addition to completing the acquisition of 12 former Target stores, they will also open 2 new locations in Ontario. This expansion will increase Lowe’s Canada total store count from 40 to 54. Lowe’s acquisition of Target’s former stores was for a total purchase price of $113 million. Lowe’s… Read more »
