Scott Krugman
Scott Krugman
attractive means outlets past prime speaking stigma suffering sure
Outlets need to be innovative. They need to make sure they are attractive and that they are speaking to the demographic. But by no means are they past their prime or suffering a stigma of being low-end shopping.
budgets consumers early fraction gotten home improvement people projects putting shopping small supplement
It's way too early to actually tell its impact. Such a small fraction of consumers have gotten them. People will use them to supplement back-to-school shopping budgets and home improvement projects people have been putting off.
depending effects forecast happens mean might next open remains revision seen war
I think it remains to be seen how things go over the next month, ... The forecast is always open to revision depending on a set of circumstances we might not have seen. That could mean the effects from the lockout, or it could mean what happens if we got to war with Iraq.
creates perfect retail
I know from experience. It all kind of creates the retail perfect storm.
time
By the time it comes back to them, it's on markdown.
compare considered difficult
Earlier, we were considered optimistic, but it's difficult to compare all the numbers.
biggest bit counting event holiday january lull month niche season second
It's not a niche holiday by any stretch. It's the first big event after the (winter) holiday season. January is a bit of a lull month for the industry. Not counting back-to-school, Valentine's Day is the second biggest season for spending.
people policies return trying
The only people who are going to have problems, real problems, with return policies are people who are trying to defraud a retailer.
cards factors gift holiday last late playing role season
There are two factors over last year: Gift cards are playing more of a role in the holiday season and the fact that we have such a late Hanukkah this year.