Mixed Bag of Holiday Results Released

Twelve major retailers released holiday results last week confirming what was arguably one of the most unusual holiday shopping seasons in recent history. A combination of economic factors, evolving consumer behaviors and an increasingly competitive marketplace provided a challenging and unpredictable backdrop for holiday sales this year. The following are some of the most notable results.

Ascena Retail Group: A total company decline of 4% during the six-week period ending January 3 was largely due to a 15% same store sales decline of 15% at the company’s Justice brand stores during the holiday season. However, performance at other brands such as Ann Taylor, Dressbarn, Lane Bryant and Maurices was much better and allowed the company to affirm its full year profit forecast.
Build-A-Bear Workshop: CEO Sharon Price John expects “fiscal 2015 to deliver our third consecutive year of positive consolidated comparable sales and our third consecutive year of improved profit performance,” despite fourth quarter expectations that same-store sales would decline 5.5%.
Genesco: Same store sales increased 5% for the quarter ending January 2^nd for the parent company of Journeys, Lids and Johnston & Murphy. “We are especially pleased with the strong performance at Journeys, which delivered another exceptional holiday season,” said chairman, president and CEO Robert Dennis.
Lululemon Athletica: CEO Laurent Potdevin said “Sales for the fourth quarter are exceeding expectations.” The retailer announced a successful holiday season with fourth quarter same store sales increasing in the mid single digits.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet: A 5.6% same-store sales increase during the 9 weeks that ended on January 2 led chairman, president and CEO Mark Butler to comment that he is “Thrilled,” with the discount retailer’s holiday sales. The retailer had only predicted 4% growth and now expects total annual sales of $760 million in 2016.

Source: Chain Store Age