Ken Perkins
Ken Perkins
came carried marketing retailers sales strength
Sales really carried through at the end of the season, particularly for the mall-based stores. Some of the strength probably came from retailers really aggressively marketing and being really promotional.
apparel casual clothes frequently men sales shop
Sales of men's apparel has been lagging for some time. Men usually don't shop as frequently as women. When they do, there's only so much of casual clothes men really need.
began compared couple department group improving november percent performance positive profits quarters rise rose sales seen since stores tracking year
We haven't seen this kind of positive sales performance since we began tracking the group in November 2000. Fourth-quarter profits for department stores rose 5 percent compared to a 1 percent rise a year ago. We've now has a couple of quarters of improving trends.
finally gains great month numbers sales seen
We've finally got a great February. The first set of numbers indicates that this was a blowout month with the kind of sales gains that we haven't seen in a while.
aware best buy faces half investors looking obvious rose sales second tougher
One obvious explanation (for the weakness) is that investors are aware that Best Buy faces much tougher sales comparisons, particularly in the second half of the year. Looking at the numbers, second-quarter sales were up 7.8 percent, third-quarter sales rose 5.8 percent.
anniversary company marks month next positive sales time
Next month is the first time the company marks the anniversary of positive sales comparisons. From here on, the comparisons get increasingly difficult.
despite difficult february good last percent results sales today
We're getting some very good results today despite the very difficult 6.7 percent February same-store sales comparisons from last year.
apparel august bulk consumers indication month positive provide sales showing signs spending strongest
August is the big month because that's when the bulk of the back-to-school revenues are generated, ... But we got some very positive signs in July, especially with apparel sales showing the strongest monthly gains. Apparel sales are important because they provide the first indication of how consumers are spending their discretionary income.
concerned earnings hit investors sales unless
That's a pretty long stretch, and investors are concerned that earnings could take a hit unless sales improve.
april december easter gain last low percent prior pushed sales time year
The last time Wal-Mart had a monthly same-store sales gain that low was back in December of 2000, with a 0.3 percent rise. Prior to that was in April of 1996, with a 0.2 percent gain. That was probably another year when Easter got pushed into April.
earnings less order strong tech
Earnings are going to have to really go up in order for valuations to look attractive. Tech earnings are going to be strong but it's already more or less priced into the stocks,
christmas concern deep goes hitting
There's a deep concern that if this thing goes on, a lot of Christmas merchandise hitting the docks can't be transferred.
bubble business extent given hang hat pickup previous profits rebound recovery spending
Profits are on the rebound but is it sustainable? Given the extent of the previous bubble in tech, the recovery should be slower. There's a whiff of a pickup in business spending but not enough to hang your hat on just yet.
aggressive best buy circuit city held holiday looks moving player players primary share taking tried
Best Buy traditionally has been the primary player here and taking share very aggressively from some of the other players in the space, but Circuit City looks to have held their own here this holiday season. The discounters have tried to get into the space. Wal-Mart's been very aggressive in moving in there.