Weekly Top 5 – Five Articles Worth Reading

Overstock.com Released From Google ‘Penalty Box’ Click to Open PDF Article
Links to “.edu” web sites appear to be given priority by Google’s search algorithm. OSTK management suggested on yesterday’s conference call that it was in the penalty box for approximately 8 weeks beginning in the latter half of February.
Posted: Posted: Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Source: WSJ

Landlords Try Thinking Outside the Big Box Click to Open PDF Article
It’s important to note that not only are vacancy rates higher, but lease rates have plummeted as well.
Posted: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Source: WSJ

Saks Unveils Aggressive Game Plan Click to Open PDF Article
If SKS could close more stores, they would. Anchor tenant restrictions are the only thing standing in the way.
Posted: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Source: WWD

Leifsdottir Wholesale Business to Close Click to Open PDF Article
What’s interesting is that we had not seen the Leifsdottir product in an Anthropologie store in over a year. This was a dud since day #1 and should be a warning to traditional sell-side analysts that are currently fawning over the BHLDN bridal concept. In our view, URBN management should keep this press release handy because 2-3 years from now they’ll be issuing a similar press release for BHLDN.
Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2011
Source: WWD

J.C. Penney Launches Big and Tall Concept Click to Open PDF Article
Another entrant into the big-tall arena. While we doubt JCP will have much success with The Foundry, we have to admit that we love the idea of having the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders visit stores for the grand opening. That almost makes us want to put on a few pounds and attend opening day festivities.
Posted: Thursday, April 28, 2011
Source: WWD