Ken Perkins
Ken Perkins
bad far january numbers surprise turning
January is turning out to be a real surprise to the positive. So far the same-store numbers that we're getting aren't bad at all.
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.
district judged school seem valid
When you say a school and a district is going to be judged on this, and then it's not a valid test, that doesn't seem right.
both difficult facing form gain hurdle last limited percent retailers seen september year
We've already seen some big disappointments in both Limited and Ann Taylor. Up front, retailers are also facing their most difficult hurdle of the year in the form of a 6.1 percent gain racked up in September last year.
effect energy higher prices
We are going to see the effect of higher energy prices trickle up to the middle-income consumers.
consumer finding last resilient ways year
The American consumer has been particularly resilient over the last year plus, ... They're finding ways to spend.
above average beating falling percent short term
That's well above the long term average of 54 percent beating and 42 percent falling short of expectations.
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.
opinion thrilled vote
We don't have an opinion or more importantly a vote one way or another. We're not thrilled with it ... but it's essentially up to the analysts.
analyst nightmare numbers october
These numbers are not good. As one analyst put it, October will be the nightmare before Christmas.
complete egg laid
It was a complete egg that was laid there. By all accounts, they got killed in apparel.
appear commerce conditions economic improved iraq last march month people run shopping year
Economic conditions have improved significantly from March last year when commerce was impeded for much of the month by the run up to the Iraq war. People do appear to be shopping more.
built carry despite everybody holiday momentum next tough waiting whether year
Everybody is waiting to see whether they can carry the momentum they've built this year into next year despite the tough holiday period.
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.