Britt Beemer
Britt Beemer
christmas decided flat good last luxury past people sales spending stores traffic vacation weekend year
Overall, the moderate-priced stores such as J.C. Penney, Sears and Wal-Mart had good traffic levels. We think luxury sales were probably flat this past weekend because more people said they decided to go away on vacation before Christmas this year than last year. So this could have impacted spending on other high-end items.
aware chains department gift income instead retain spend store
A middle-income shopper may migrate to a Nordstrom from a Macy's and spend $65 instead of $45 on a gift because they are serviced better at a Nordstrom, ... Department store chains like Sears and J.C. Penney need to be very aware of this if they want to retain their shoppers over the holidays.
advised aggressive clients consumers extremely less margin money otherwise retail retailers shopping spend super thanksgiving
I see an extremely promotional shopping environment. I've advised my retail clients to be super aggressive Thanksgiving weekend. Retailers don't want to do it from a margin perspective, but otherwise they won't see shoppers in stores. Consumers have less money to spend and they'll take their 'less money' elsewhere.
christmas consumers discount employee example great last mood sale spending success
The success of GM's employee discount sale is a great example that consumers still are in a mood to buy. However, I think Christmas spending could be a little narrower than last year.
cards excited gift people plan putting retailers spring
About 30% of people who got gift cards plan to use them this week. Many retailers are going to be putting out spring merchandise to get people excited about it.
doomed next quarter year
I would say that the first quarter of next year probably has already been doomed by this episode,
martha
She was off the charts. Right up there with Martha Stewart.
broader cannot focused
I think that Wal-Mart has come to the realization that it cannot be focused on low-prices alone. They need a broader offering.
chrysler debating decision easier sure
I'm sure that Chrysler has been debating this for years. It's probably easier for Daimler to make the decision than for Chrysler.
discount good hitting home luxury market middle runs stores worried
The luxury stores are the ones hitting the home runs and the discount stores are going to end up doing some pretty good numbers, ... I'm very worried that the middle part of the market is not here.
breed chance figures kids parents retailers school season shot sports taking year
Back to school is a very important season for retailers because it's one chance in the year when retailers get a shot at parents and kids at the same time. Historically, sports figures have been the big players; now it's a different breed of endorsers taking over.
advised battles clients fight might types
I've advised clients that when you get into these types of situations, the PR battles are so bad. You might as well get out of it and not fight it.
clearance consumers great january love proved
Consumers love January because January has always been this great clearance month. If they don't see (sales), as they've proved this Christmas, they'll outwait the retailer.
christmas negative season selling worried
I'm worried right now that we could have the first negative Christmas selling season in two decades,