Bill Dreher
Bill Dreher
absorb definitely others period position retailers though tough
Even though Wal-Mart is definitely in a better position than most retailers to absorb any shortfalls, others could be in for a very tough period ahead.
bargains best consumers game held holiday last mad minute result retailers rush spirit unknown until waited week
Consumers were not in the holiday spirit up until the last week of the holiday season, when there was a mad rush for the store. And the big unknown is the result of that game of chicken, where shoppers waited until the last minute to get the best bargains and retailers held off.
believe button cause closer dealing declines earlier increase inventory panic percent possible push retailers sales
On its own, a comp-store inventory increase of 2-to-5 percent is no big deal. But when you've got comp-store sales declines of closer to 10 percent, you're dealing with a possible 10-point spread, which we believe is going to cause retailers to push the promotional panic button earlier than they would have.
believe colder february impact likely majority negative retailers sales sets spring store stores weather
We believe this will have a negative impact on February sales for the majority of our retailers as the much colder weather will likely impede store traffic, and sales of spring merchandise sets that are now in stores may be impacted.
customer discount earnings expect generating increases people price rational retailers sales seeing solid strong traffic
People are being much more rational with their expenditures. That's why we're seeing these discount price retailers generating strong customer traffic and solid sales increases. And we expect strong earnings increases from them.
appears factor greatest retailers soon unleashed until warm
It appears that the greatest factor for our retailers slowdown up until now had been the unseasonably warm weather, and as soon as we got more seasonally appropriate temperatures it unleashed pent up demand.
catering customers income retailers tough
Retailers that are not catering that well to the middle- and upper-income customers are going to have a tough time.
achieve aggressive allowed christmas clearly days despite lack last month plans promotions retailers sales saw strong
Clearly the last 10 days before Christmas were very strong and allowed retailers to achieve their sales plans for the month despite the lack of aggressive promotions we saw in 2002.
anyone company earnings environment excuse improved lock month overall posting quarter rest retailers sales specific start stellar weak
There's very little excuse for anyone posting weak sales right now, ... If that is happening, it because of company specific excuses. The macro environment overall is very strong. The first month of the quarter got a stellar start and that usually put a lock on the rest of the quarter. Retailers should post improved earnings going forward.
appear chicken consumer fourth game holding improve initial looking margins profit profits quarter retailers
In the game of chicken between retailers and consumers, with one looking to improve profit margins and the other holding out for discounts, it would appear that the consumer blinked. The initial read on the fourth quarter is that profits should come in better than anticipated.
acquiring card companies continues cost credit department gross improved improving lowering margin problems retailers seeing stores strong struggle target turnaround
The companies that are seeing strong gross margin improvements are getting it not from improving their merchandising mix, but from improved buying. Retailers like Wal-Mart and Target are lowering their cost of acquiring products. Sears on the other hand, continues to struggle with the turnaround of its department stores and problems with its credit card unit.
considered far financial impact item limited
It would be considered a non-operating item and really will have a very limited financial impact as far as analysts are concerned,
accept annual clear closer deep false management meeting might sober though willing work
It was very clear to us that ... this year's annual meeting had a new, more sober tone. In the past, (Wal-Mart management) was willing to accept their shortcomings, though some might say it was closer to false modesty. This year, it was very clear that management realizes they have a lot of work to do and are deep into the transition.
appears form holiday season
The shopper appears to be in mid-season form with the holiday season just having started.