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 »
September 11, 2014 Kroger reported total sales of $25.3 billion, representing an increase of 11.6% for its second quarter. Total sales, excluding fuel, increased 12.4% in the second quarter over the same period last year. “We are winning with customers because we offer a full range of advantages including a great overall shopping experience, excellent… Read more »
September 11, 2014 In July, unemployment rates remained mixed in Europe, according to unemployment rates and employment growth data compiled and standardized by The Conference Board International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program. Unemployment decreased in Germany (from 5.0 to 4.9 percent), the Netherlands (from 6.8 to 6.7 percent) and Sweden (from 7.9 to 7.7 precent), but… Read more »
September 10, 2014 Since Family Dollar’s board of directors unanimously rejected Dollar General’s second and sweetened tender offer from September 2, Dollar General has decided to make the tender offer directly to the company’s shareholders. The company’s all-cash offer of $80 per share beats Dollar Tree’s offer of $74.50 per share cash/stock offer originally made… Read more »
September 8, 2014 CVS Health has completed the purchase of Miami-based Navarro Discount Pharmacy. The acquisition includes Navarro’s 33 retail locations and Navarro Health Services, a specialty pharmacy serving patients with complex or chronic diseases. The retail pharmacies will retain the Navarro Discount Pharmacy name. “Navarro has a rich history and commitment to Hispanic consumers… Read more »
September 8, 2014 The Conference Board Employment Trends Index increased in August. The index now stands at 121.29, up from 120.62 (an upward revision) in July. This represents a 6.4 percent gain in the ETI compared to a year ago. “The strong increase in the Employment Trends Index in recent months signals robust job growth… Read more »
September 4, 2014 Costco said it plans to open nine new warehouse stores before the end of calendar year 2014, following a boost in net sales for August and the fourth quarter. During the month of August, net sales were $8.8 billion, an increase of 10% from $8 billion during the similar period last year. Same-store… Read more »
September 5, 2014 A gain of only 142,000 new jobs in August, relative to a stronger trend in hiring in previous months of over 200,000 new jobs per month, is somewhat surprising as the economy overall has been quite strong recently. Retail employment has dropped, which may relate to weaker consumption figures in the past… Read more »
September 4, 2014 Rite Aid reported a 3.2% lift in sales for the 26 weeks ended August 30, ringing in $12.9 billion. Same-store sales for the period increased 3.6% over the prior-year period. Front-end same store sales increased 0.6%, while pharmacy same store sales increased 5.1%. Prescription count at comparable stores increased 3% over the… Read more »
September 4, 2014 Just two days after reporting second quarter results, Fred’s posted August results. Improved sales and traffic in the month were driven, according to CEO Bruce A. Efird, by initiatives that the company implemented for the first time in August. Total sales for the month increased 6% to $147.6 million from $139.4 million… Read more »
September 4, 2014 In July, 2014, annual inflation as measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) declined in 10 of the 16 economies compared, including in the U.S., Japan and the Euro Area as a whole. Spain experienced the largest decline in price growth (from 0.0 to -0.4 percent), returning to deflationary territory… Read more »
