Each month, we provide our clients an early analysis of sales disclosures on sales release Thursday. Below, are a few bigger picture thoughts that we published earlier this morning prior to the opening bell.

Black Friday weekend sales were strong across the board (ex-JCP).

This is a continuation of a trend that began 7-8 years ago (Black Friday’s importance continues to increase). Yet, we suspect that strong post-Black Friday weekend sales will again fall off a cliff (also a trend that began 7-8 years ago).

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Each month, we provide our clients an early analysis of sales disclosures on sales release Thursday. Below, are a few bigger picture thoughts that we published earlier this morning prior to the opening bell.

Don’t Buy The Unseasonable Weather Excuse

Last year, the following monthly reporting retailers complained about unseasonable weather in October 2010: BONT, DEST, JCP, KSS, M, SMRT, SSI, TGT, and TJX. (more…)

Each month, we provide our clients an early analysis of sales disclosures on sales release Thursday. Below, are a few bigger picture thoughts that we published earlier this morning prior to the opening bell.

Sales are Strong – Many Retailers Beating Quarterly Comp Sales Guidance

Big picture, sales are strong as many retailers are beating their quarterly comp sales guidance. Most retailers reported comp sales results for September 2011 that were +100 Bps to +200 Bps stronger than August 2011. But, merchandise margins are clearly declining in Q3 2011 versus the prior year as only a couple retailers raised their quarterly EPS expectations. (more…)

Each month, we provide our clients an early analysis of sales disclosures on sales release Thursday. Below, are a few bigger picture thoughts that we published earlier this morning prior to the opening bell.

Impact of Hurricane Irene on Retail

Generally, comp sales results in August 2011 were boosted in the discount/grocery sector by Hurricane Irene. Conversely, comp sales results in the apparel sector during fiscal August 2011 were negatively impacted by -100 to -200 Bps by Hurricane Irene. A few retailers suggested that sales accelerated in the days following the Hurricane Irene related store closures. (more…)

Each month, we provide our clients an early analysis of sales disclosures on sales release Thursday. Below, are a few bigger picture thoughts that we published earlier this morning prior to the opening bell.

Comp Sales Results in July 2011 – Lower Than June 2011

Generally, comp sales results in July 2011 were -100 to -200 Bps lower than June 2011.

Let’s remember that week #1 of August 2010 was the weakest comp sales week a year ago. Today, a couple of companies implied that sales in early-August 2011 are off to a good start. (more…)