Weekly Top 5 Articles – Five Articles Worth Reading

Each week, we highlight five articles of interest focusing on the retail/consumer space. Enjoy.

Best Buy Founder Jumps Ship Click to Open PDF

Investors received a nice gift when Mr. Dunn’s “personal relationship” with a 29 year old employee came to light. His dismal reign thankfully came to an abrupt end. But, this news is just as big as Mr. Schulze’s shadow will no longer be a hindrance to the new management team.
Date Published: Thursday, June 7, 2012
Source: WSJ

Global Economic Headwinds Have Industry Execs on Edge Click to Open PDF

First Europe, now China. Sales artificially inflated in the first quarter of the year. It’s going to be an ugly 2nd half of the year.
Date Published: Thursday, June 7, 2012
Source: WWD

Retail’s Shrinking Waistline: Smaller Stores Appeal to Consumers, Industry Click to Open PDF

In our view, retailers that figure out that cookie cutter store locations have a much greater opportunity for success/profits going forward.
Date Published: Thursday, June 7, 2012
Source: WWD

Eugene Ferkauf, 91, Dies; Restyled Retail Click to Open PDF

Do you wonder where Sam Walton got his inspiration? Read this obit/article celebrating the life of Mr. Ferkauf. Great read for those interested in an historical perspective of the retail industry.
Date Published: Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Source: New York Times

European Tourism Shows Signs of Waning Click to Open PDF

“Sources said tourists, including those from abroad and the U.S., account for between 25 and 30 percent of the volume at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street flagship in Manhattan.” But, CEO Gould declined to comment.

Mr. Gould’s declining to comment cracks us up. Mr. Gould is seemingly a “quote machine” for WWD. And, now, when something may portray his chain in a negative light, he clams up!
Date Published: Thursday May 31, 2012
Source: WWD