Up until very recently, retail executives were hoping holiday sales might be up 2% or 3%, but most of that optimism has faded. According toThe Wall Street Journal, "Chief marketing officers at 100 retail companies said in a survey by BDO Seidman LLP that they expect their companies' same-store sales in November and December to fall an average of 2.7%."
Declining sales mean some retailer companies either won't make it or will be faced with significant store closures and layoffs. Circuit City (NYSE: CC)
I'm moving my portfolio more towards a positive slant and this is my newest entry.
I purchased GPS this am when the market responded amazingly well to terrible news on the foreclosure front and inflation front. The broader market choose to look at the Wal-Mart numbers and that is a good sign for the next few months.
In a stronger market climate, I think that GPS is in great shape to continue with strong earnings and growth. I needed a retail play to get some better diversity and this is my SocialPick for what it is worth.
Retail stocks have been getting hammered and consumers remain under heavy pressure. That should delight doctrinaire contrarians. Buying when times are bad can definitely produce great results down the road, so this may, indeed, be a good time to look for retail bargains. But since we don't yet know how close or far we are from a significant bottom, such investing is best approached with careful and discipline. Presented here are 10 stocks, some well known with others flying under the radar, produced by a model that has shown an ability to cherry-pick within this presently-beleaguered group.
For months now, investors have been looking to the retail sector for insights on the US economy. After all, 70% of US GDP comes from consumer spending. So the retail sector is often thought of as a bellwether for the US economy as a whole.
Things aren’t looking good, though retailers have been doing their best to mask this.
Take the April same-store sales numbers, for instance. That month, same-store sales declined for most major retailers. However, instead of admitting that things were slowing down, they blamed an early Easter and rainy weather for their poor results.
I know, I know, with the economy sputtering, why would you ever want to be invested in an apparel company that produces expensive jeans? Let alone have it recommended by a typically short-selling trader like me! But before I tell you the name of this stock that despite the obvious economic problems -- strong oil, weak housing and the dollar, mounting foreclosure, etc -- is sitting right near all-time highs, looking to break out, let's ...
3/12 - "While Wilson's might be among the first companies to feel the crunch of the recession (or, if you prefer, "reduced consumer confidence and, incidentally, reduced spending"), it will probably not be the last. Specialty stores and boutiques are probably looking at a tough year. "Mall" stores like Ann Taylor (NYSE: ANN), American Eagle (NYSE: AEO), Sephora, The Gap (NYSE: GPS), and PacSun (NASDAQ: PSUN) tend to pay premium prices for their spaces, have a rather limited range of stock, and charge more money for their products. All of this adds up to a vulnerable position when it comes t...
Gap (NYSE:GPS) made a surprise appointment with Glenn Murphy taking over as Chairman. Some point to his lack of apparel expertise and shriek. Others point to his successful retail background and shout hurray its time for a change. Well its time for something at Gap. The stock has done nothing for something like three years.
After a six month search its a relief that someone will take the job. Gap may have learned a few things about itself as it interviewed a variety of candidates. While we always point to the CEO as the knight in shining armor we should also look at the board of dir...
Data powered by QuoteMedia.
All Rights Reserved.
Data delayed 15 to 20 minutes unless otherwise indicated.
Terms of Use.
None of the information contained on SocialPicks.com constitutes a recommendation by SocialPicks or its users that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. SocialPicks is not responsible for the posts, discussions, and recommendations of the users on the Site. SocialPicks does not provide investment advice. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy mentioned on the website. SocialPicks' users' past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Neither SocialPicks nor any of its users guarantees any specific outcome or profit, and you should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investments discussed on the website. You understand and agree that you use the Site and Services at your own discretion and risk and that you will be solely responsible for any damages that arise from such use. Before acting on any information contained on the website, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.
GPS
GPS
About The Gap Inc
- Answers.com
I know, I know, with the economy sputtering, why would you ever want to be invested in an apparel company that produces expensive jeans? Let alone have it recommended by a typically 
