Bill Dreher
Bill Dreher
admittedly admitting cloudy critical holiday investors might second though visibility
They are admitting they have very cloudy visibility on the very critical holiday season. What might be more significant to investors is that even though they had an admittedly superb second quarter, where are we going from here?
ability analyze concerned customer generate good guys predict sales superior visibility
Even Wal-Mart, with their superior systems, their ability to analyze information, being able to predict sales down to the SKU and generate customer profiles, doesn't have good visibility of what's going on in 2001, which makes us concerned about the guys who don't have that ability,
appeared bang consumer expecting flooded robust sales season september
The back-to-school season started with a bang and we're expecting robust sales in September because the consumer appeared to be flooded with cash.
intent last learned lessons repeating year
They've learned the lessons from last year and are intent upon not repeating the same mistakes.
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.
lower translate
Not only is there top-line pressure, but this is also going to translate into lower margins,
advertising amazing best campaign cool discount job marketing pushing shop store target
Target has the best advertising marketing campaign in retailing. They do an amazing job of elevating a discount store to a very cool destination shop and so they are always pushing the envelope.
battery build clear company efforts itself management national sale step strengthen tire unit
It's clear that the company is redoubling efforts to strengthen itself and build a competitive advantage. Anything that distracts the management from doing just that will be de-emphasized. The sale of its National Tire and Battery unit is a step in that direction.
appears coming confidence consumer data economic far income levels oil pause period positive prices rising sales slowing taking
There appears to be a pause in consumer spending, especially with the low-to-middle income consumers. The slowing sales also counterbalance positive economic data that show rising income and confidence levels and oil prices coming down. As far as sales go, this is a period where the consumer is taking a break.
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.
believe benefit best discount energy expect increasing job leader looking people portion stores talk tax value
Discount stores have really become an increasing portion of consumers' expenditures. Now there's talk of fluctuating energy prices, job layoffs, and people are looking for the best value possible. So we believe the discount stores are going to benefit disproportionately from the tax rebate. We expect Wal-Mart will be the leader in July.
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.
chasing losing money point sales
There's no point in chasing sales if you're losing money on those sales.
basis break business cash cost costs run tire total
The tire business did break even on a cash basis but not on a full-loaded cost basis, or the total costs incurred to run that business.