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Sector Overview: US Apparel Specialty Retailers — Collaborations Are the New Normal

In 2018, U.S. apparel and footwear specialty retailers’ sales totaled $197 billion, according to Euromonitor International, and its analysts forecast sector sales will grow at a CAGR of 3.3% to 2023, reaching $232 billion. Relative to the recent past, 2018’s results were strong.

Sportswear and athleisure are driving specialty apparel and footwear sales. We see areas of opportunity in the lingerie and plus-size categories. We expect specialty retailers to continue exploring collaborations, partnerships and global expansion – particularly into China and India.

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H&M (STO: HM-B) FY18 Results: Logistics Upgrade Proves a Drag on Profits

For 1Q19, the company expects markdowns to be around 1 percentage point lower compared to the year-ago period and expects to see continued improvement in inventory, led by strong collections and increased full-price sales.
Net sales for the period December 1, 2018 to January 28, 2019, increased 4% year over year in local currencies.
In FY19, the company plans to open around 335 new stores, of which around 240 will be H&M stores. H&M plans to close 160 stores.
The company will open new logistics centers outside Madrid and north of London at the end of 2019 or beginning of 2020.

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VF Corp (VFC) 3Q19 Results: Raises Guidance as Active Segment Propels Gains

VF Corp. reported adjusted fiscal 3Q19 EPS of $1.31, up from $1.01 in the year-ago quarter and above the $1.10 consensus estimate. Total revenues were $3.94 billion, up 8.0% year over year (10% at constant currency). Excluding Kontoor Brands (scheduled to be spun off at the end of April), revenues rose 12%.

By segment, Outdoor revenues rose 11% to $1.61 billion; Active revenues increased 16% to $1.14 billion; Work segment revenues rose 9% to $62.6 million and Jeans revenues declined 27% to $67.8 million. By channel, direct-to-consumer (DTC) rose 9%, Digital (within DTC) rose 21% and Wholesale increased 6%. By region, Asia Pacific sales rose 16%, led by China, up 23%; followed by a 9% gain in the U.S., 7% in the Americas (non-U.S.) and 4% in EMEA.

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Primark (LSE: ABF) 1Q19 Trading Update: Store Expansion Lifts Sales

Primark increased its revenues 4% year over year, at both constant currency and actual exchange rates. This was below the consensus estimate of 5.5% constant-currency growth recorded by StreetAccount. Sales growth was driven by an increase in the retail selling space partially offset by a modest decline in same-store sales.
Operating margins improved due to lower purchasing costs (led by a weaker U.S. dollar) and better stock management, the company did not provide figures.
U.K. sales grew 1% year over year, which ABF claimed was ahead of the overall U.K. apparel market. The company pointed to positive U.K. comparable sales in September and October, a weak November and a December that exceeded its expectations.

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US Holiday Comparable Sales Growth Results: A Mixed Picture So Far

As US retailers report comparable sales for the 2018 holiday season, we’re seeing a mixed bag of results. Some retailers such as Costco and Boot Barn did well, reporting strong comparable sales growth and beating consensus estimates. Retailers such as Target, Barnes & Noble and Buckle showed sequential comparable sales growth improvement, but not as strong. Comparable sales at Macy’s and L Brands weakened sequentially.

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NetEase, Alibaba and JD.com March into Private Label

Chinese Tech Giants Develop Private Labels Chinese tech giants NetEase, Alibaba and JD.com have all begun developing their own private labels in recent years: NetEase launched NetEase Yanxuan, which translates into “strictly selected by NetEase” in 2016, officially kicking off the private-label game with a designated online shopping website. Alibaba launched its private-label online marketplace…

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