UPSCALE COSMETICS SALES ARE BEAUTIFUL

The upscale beauty business continues to shine. In 2015, prestige beauty - makeup, fragrances and skin care products that are not found typically at drug stores, saw a 7% increase in sales. Sephora and Ulta each posted phenomenal sales results. Estee Lauder raised its sales forecast as demand for their product line are growing. The makeup subcategory was the strongest, with a 13% increase last year.

In a “selfie-ready age” and YouTube and Pinterest an easy way to get product tutorials, makeup trends are growing the sales. Thicker eyebrows are trendy, so products such as brow-enhancing serum and eyebrow mousse are becoming more popular. In our health-conscious society, products with natural or clinical orientation, which are pricier, comprise the largest share of prestige skincare sales.

JC Penney plans to accelerate its Sephora Inside JC Penney locations, and Kohl’s has redesigned its beauty area on 900 of its stores. Macy’s acquired $210 million Bluemercury, and plans to grow to 150 locations in the next 2 years. Target acquired Sonia Kashuk brand, and L’Oreal is opening brick-and-mortar locations of its NYX Cosmetics concept.

Accelerated Analytics works with a large percentage of beauty brands, such as L’Oreal, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Estee Lauder, Parlux Fragrances and LVMH. Click here to see our full list of beauty vendors, who utilize Accelerated Analytics’ POS reporting tools to track sales and inventory levels at their retailers, such as Dillard’s, Macy’s, Sephora and Ulta.

Source: Washington Post

Dillard's Well Positioned For Holidays

November 13, 2014

A third quarter same store sales decline of 1% at Dillard's wasn't enough to dissuade CEO William Dillard, II from declaring the company is very well positioned for the holidays.

Total merchandise sales also declined 1% to $1.42 billion while net incomes increased to $55.2 million, or $1.30 a share, compared to $50.9 million, or $1.13 a share.  The third qurater earnings per share benefited from a one time gain of $3.8 million, or nine cents a share, related to the sale of a store location.

"Returning cash to shareholders was a high priority during the quarter, and we completed the remaining $224 million of share repurchase authorization," Dillard said.  "Although comparable sales declined 1%, we were pleased with a 69 basis point merchandise gross margin improvement, with our inventory control and with our strong operating cash flow.  We believe we are positioned very well for the holiday season, and we look forward to providing premium Dillard's service to our customers."

The company said its sales trends were strongest in juniors' and children's apparel followed by men's apparel and accessories.  Sales were weakest in the home and furniture category.  Sales trends were strongest in the central region, followed by the eastern and western regions, respectively.

Source: Retailing Today

Dillard's 'Disappointed' In Bottom-Line Performance

August 15, 2014

Despite an increase of 1% in comparable store sales, Dillard's CEO William T. Dillard II expressed disappointment in the company's bottom line performance.

The company's net sales for the 13 weeks ended August 2 were $1.475 billion, compared to net sales of $1.480 billion for the 13 weeks ended August 3, 2013.  Net sales include the operations of the company's construction business, CDI Contractors.

Total merchandise sales (which exclude CDI) for the quarter were $1.461 billion, compared to net sales of $1.459 billion for the comparable period last year.  Total merchandise sales remained unchanged on a percentage basis for the quarter.

Sales trends were strongest in juniors' and children's apparel followed by men's apparel and accessories.  Sales were weakest in the home and furniture category.  Sales trends were strongest in the Central region, followed by the Eastern and Western regions, respectively. "We are pleased with our inventory management during the quarter and with our ending inventory position," Dillard said.

Gross margin from retail operations (which excludes CDI) declined 33 basis points of sales for the quarter compared to the proir year second quarter.  The decline resulted primarily from increased markdowns.  Consolidated gross margin for the quarter declined 20 basis points of sales comapred to the prior year second quarter.  Inventory decreased 2% at August 2 compared to August 3, 2013.

As of August 2, the company operated 278 Dillard's locations and 18 clearance centers spanning 29 states and an e-commerce site.

Source: Retailing Today

Dillard's Sidesteps Stubborn Winter In First Quarter

May 16, 2014

While other retailers saw sales affected by a winter that overstayed its welcome, Dillard's marked its 15th consecutive quarter of positive sales.

Despite weak sales in home and furniture, Dillard's said sales trends in the first quarter were strongest in the men's apparel and accessories category and the junior's and children's apparel category, followed by ladies' accessories and lingerie.

The retailer reported total merchandise sales for the quarter of $1.539 billion, a 1% increase from $1.530 billion for the prior-year period.  Comparable-store sales increased 2%.

Sales trends were strongest in the Central region, followed by the Eastern and Western regions, respectively.

"We reported record earnings per share of $2.56 compared to $2.50.  Our 2% comparable store sales increase marks our 15th consecutive quarter of positive sales.  Additionally, we executed $65.9 million of share buyback as a result of our strong cash flow," said CEO William Dillard II.

Gross margin from retail operations decreased 14 basis points of sales for the quarter compared to the first quarter last year.  The decline resulted primarily from increased markdowns compared to the prior-year first quarter.

At May 3, the company operated 278 Dillard's locations and 18 clearance centers spanning 29 states, as well as its e-commerce site.

Source: Retailing Today 

Dillard's, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

May 15, 2014

Reports Record First Quarter Earnings per Share of $2.56 versus $2.50

Dillard's, Inc. (DDS-NYSE) announced operating results for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2014. 

Summary of the Company's First Quarter Performance

• A 2% increase in comparable store sales
• Diluted earnings per share of $2.56 versus $2.50
• Cash flow from operations of $161.9 million versus $136.9 million
• Share repurchase of $65.9 million (0.7 million shares) of Class A Common Stock

Dillard's Chief Executive Officer, William Dillard, II, stated, "We reported record earnings per share of $2.56 compared to $2.50.  Our 2% comparable store sales increase marks our 15th consecutive quarter of positive sales.  Additionally, we executed $65.9 million of share buyback as a result of our strong cash flow."

First Quarter Results

Dillard's reported net income for the prior year 13-week period ended May 4, 2013 of $111.7 million ($2.56 per share) compared to net income of $117.2 million ($2.50 per share) for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013.

Included in net income for the prior year 13-week period ended May 4, 2013 is a net after-tax credit totaling $4.4 million ($0.99 per share ) comprised of the following three items:

• A $7.6 million after tax gain ($0.16 per share) related to the sale of an investment
• A $1.0 million after tax credit ($0.02 per share) related to a pension adjustment
• After-tax asset impairment and store closing charges of $4.2 million ($0.09 per share)

Net Sales - 13 Weeks

Total merchandise sales for the 13-week period ended May 3, 2014 were $1.539 billion and $1.530 billion for the 13-week period ended May 4, 2013.  Total merchandise sales increased 1%, and sales in comparable stores increased 2% for the first quarter.

Sales trends for the first quarter were strongest in the men's apparel and accessories category and the juniors' and children's apparel category followed by ladies' accessories and lingerie.  Sales were weakest in home and furniture.  Sales trends were strongest in the Central region, followed by the Eastern and Western regions, respectively.

Net sales (which include the operations of the Company's construction business, CDI Contractors, LLC) for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014 were $1.551 billion and $1.549 billion for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013.

Gross Margin/Inventory

Gross margin from retail operations (which excludes CDI) decreased 14 basis points of sales for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014 compared to the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013.  The decline resulted primarily from increased markdowns compared to the prior year first quarter.  Inventory increased 1% at May 3, 2014 compared to May 4, 2013.

Consolidated gross margin remained unchanged as a percentage of sales at 39.5% for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013.

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("operating expenses") were $393.7 million and $390.2 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively, increasing 19 basis points of sales.  Increased selling payroll was partially offset by decreased advertising expense during the quarter.  Included in operating expenses for the prior year first quarter is a $1.5 million pretax credit ($1.0 million after tax of $0.02 per share) related to a pension adjustment.

Share Repurchase

During the quarter ended May 3, 2014, the Company repurchased $65.9 million (0.7 million shares) of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $89.34 per share under the Company's share repurchase plans.  Remaining authorization under the share repurchase program at May 3, 2014 was $224.5 million.

Total shares outstanding (Class A and Class B Common Stock) at May 4, 2013 were 43.2 million and 46.3 million, respectively.

Store Information

At May 3, 2014, the Company operated 278 Dillard's locations and 18 clearance centers spanning 29 states and an Internet store at www.dillards.com.  Total square footage at May 3, 2014 was 50.5 million.

Source:  Dillard's, Inc. Investor Relations

Heavy Markdowns Hurt Dillard's In Q4

February 24, 2014

Dillard's CEO William T. Dillard II voiced disappointment in the retailer's gross margin performance despite what he called a profitable fourth quarter.  Although comparable sales gew 2%, the retailer said lower-than-expected sales necessitated heavy markdowns.

The company reported a net income of $119.1 million for the quarter and fiscal 2014, a 26% decline from $161.4 million for the same period a year earlier.  Net sales in the fourth quarter declined 3% to $2.03 billion from $2.1 billion.  During the fiscal year, net income dropped about 4% to $323.7 million from $336 million, and net sales slightly declined to $6.53 billion from $6.59 billion.  Same-store sales rose 1%.

Looking ahead, Dillard's plans to open two new stores in October 2014: a 200,000 sq. ft. location in The Shops at Summerlin in Las Vegas and a 180,000 sq. ft. location in The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Source: Retailing Today

Dillard's, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter And Fiscal Year Results

February 24, 2014

Dillard's, Inc. announced operating results for the 13 and 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014, including record fiscal year earnings per share adjusted for certain items of $6.99 versus $6.33 in the prior year. 

Summary of the Company's Fourth Quarter Performance

• A 2% increase in comparable store sales
• Diluted earnings per share excluding certain items of $2.69 versus $2.87
• Retail gross margin decline of 180 basis points of sales
• Operating expense improvement of 90 basis points of sales

Fourth Quarter Results

Dillard's reported net income for the 13 week period ended February 1, 2014 of $119.1 million ($2.71 per share) compared to net income of $161.4 million ($3.36 per share) for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013.  Included in net income for the 13 week period ended February 1, 2014 is an after tax credit of $0.8 million ($0.02 per share) representing the reversal of asset impairment charges on a store held for sale.  Excluding this item, Dillard's would have reported $118.3 million ($2.69 per share) for the 13 week period ended February 1, 2014.

Included in net income for the prior year 14 week period ended February 2, 2013 is a net after-tax credit totaling $23.9 million ($.50 per share) comprised of the following items:

• a $6.8 million after-tax gain ($0.14 per share) related to the sale of a former retail store location
• after-tax asset impairment and store closing charges of $1.1 million ($0.02 per share)
• approximately $18.1 million ($0.38 per share) in tax benefit due to a one-time deduction related to dividends paid to the Dillard's, Inc. Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Excluding these items, Dillard's would have reported $137.6 million ($2.87 per share) for the 14 week period ended February 2, 2013.

Dillard's Chief Executive Officer, William T. Dillard, II, stated, "Although it was a profitable fourth quarter, we are disappointed in our gross margin performance, as lower than anticipated sales necessitated heavier markdowns.  We are pleased with our expense control as well as with our strong cash flow for the year."

Fiscal Year Results

Dillard's reported net income for the 52 week period ended February 1, 2014 of $323.7 million ($7.10 per share) compared to net income of $336.0 million ($6.87 per share for the 53 week period ended February 2, 2013.

Included in net income for the 52 week peroid ended February 1, 2014 is a net after-tax credit totaling $5.1 million ($0.11 per share) comprised of the following three items:

• A $7.6 million after-tax gain ($0.17 per share) related to the sale of an investment
• A $1.0 million after-tax credit ($0.02 per share) related to a pension adjustment
• After-tax asset impairment and store closing charges of $3.5 million ($0.08 per share)

Excluding this credit, Dillard's would have reported net income of $318.6 million ($6.99 per share) for the 52 week period ended February 1, 2014, marking a record setting fiscal year earnings per share performance.

Included in net income for the prior year 53 week period ended February 2, 2013 is a net after-tax credit totaling $26.2 million ($0.54 per share) comprised of the following items:

• after-tax gains of $7.4 million ($0.15 per share) related to the sale of three former retail store locations
• after-tax asset impairment and store closing charges of $1.0 million ($0.02 per share)
• approximately $1.7 million ($0.03 per share) in tax benefit due to the reversal of a valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset consisting of a capital loss carryforward
• approximately $18.1 million ($0.37 per share) in tax benefit due to a one-time deduction related to dividends paid to the Dillard's, Inc. Investment and Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Excluding these items, Dillard's would have reported $309.8 million ($6.33 per share) for the 53 week period ended February 2, 2013.

Net Sales - 13 Weeks

Total merchandise sales for the 13 week period ended February 1, 2014 were $2.013 billion and $2.087 billion for the 14 week period ended February 2, 2013.  Similar to many other retailers, the Company follows the retail 4-5-4 reporting calendar which included an extra week of operations in the fourth quarter of 2012.  Based upon comparable 13 week periods ended February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, total merchandise sales increased 1% and sales in comparable stores increased 2% for the fourth quarter.

Sales trends for the fourth quarter were strongest in ladies' accessories and lingerie followed by shoes.  Sales trends were strongest in the Central region, followed by the Eastern and Western regions, respectively.

Net sales (which include the operations of the Company's construction business, CDI Contractors, LLC ("CDI") for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2014 were $2.034 billion and $2.106 billion for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013.

Net Sales - Fiscal Year

Total merchandise sales for the 52 week period ended February 1, 2014 were $6.439 billion and $6.489 billion for the 53 week period ended February 2, 2013.  Based upon comparable 52 week periods ended February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, total sales increased 1% and sales in comparable stores increased 1% for the fiscal year.

Net sales (including CDI) for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 were $6.532 billion and $6.593 billion for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013.

Gross Margin/Inventory

Gross margin from retail operations (which excludes CDI) decreased 180 basis points of sales to 32.8% for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2014 compared to 34.6% for the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013.  The decline resulted from increased markdowns in response to lower than anticipated sales.  Consolidated gross margin for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2014 decreased 180 basis points of sales to 32.6% from 34.4% during the 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013.

Gross margin from retail operations decreased 40 basis points of sales to 35.7% for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 compared to 36.1% for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013.  Consolidated gross margin for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 decreased 30 basis points of sales to 35.3% from 35.6% during the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013.

Inventory increased 4% at February 1, 2014 compared to February 2, 2013.

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("operating expenses") decreased 90 basis points of sales during the fourth quarter ended February 1, 2014.  Operating expenses were $439.2 million and $474.9 million for the 13 weeks ended February 1, 2014 and 14 weeks ended February 2, 2013, respectively.  The $35.7 million decline in operating expenses is primarily due to the additional week of operations in the prior year fourth quarter.

Operating expenses decreased 40 basis points of sales during the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.  Operating expenses were $1632.0 million and $1671.5 million for the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2014 and 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013, respectively.

Share Repurchase

During the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, the Company repurchased $301.6 million (3.9 million shares) of Class A Common Stock at an average price of $78.30 per share under the Company's share repurchase plan.  No shares were repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2013.  Remaining authorization under the share repurchase programs at February 1, 2014 was $290.4 million.

Total shares outstanding (Class A and Class B Common Stock) at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 were 43.9 million and 47.8 million, respectively.

Store Information

During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company closed its University Mall location in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (64,000 square feet), its Collin Creek Mall location in Plano, Texas (195,000 square feet) and its Twin Peaks Mall location in Longmont, Colorado (90,000 square feet).  The Company closed six locations during fiscal year 2013.

Dillard's plans to open two new stores in October of 2014:

• The Shops at Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada (200,000 square feet)
• The Mall at University Town Center, Sarasota, Florida (180,000 square feet)

At February 1, 2014, the Company operated 278 Dillard's locations and 18 clearance centers spanning 29 states and in Internet store at www.dillards.com.  Total square footage at February 1, 2014 was 50.5 million.

Source: Dillard's, Inc. Investor Relations

Dillard's To Donate More Than $1 Million To Ronald McDonald House Charities Local Chapters Through Sale Of Southern Living Christmas Cookbook

January 24, 2014

Dillard's, Inc. announced today that it will make a significant contribution of more than $1 million to local chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities.  This donation was made possible through the sale of Dillard's exclusive Southern Living Christmas Cookbook.

For the sixth time, Dillard's offered a special custom edition of the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook to benefit RMHC.  This Exclusive, 288-page hardbound cookbook is filled with fabulous holiday recipes, color photos, menus, decorting tips and entertaining ideas.

With this year's contribution, Dillard's has donated more than $11.4 million to local RMHC chapters to support the Ronald McDonald House program since 1994.  "Over the past 20 years, Dillard's has developed a strong and lasting bond with our local RMHC chapters," said Denise Mahaffy, Vice President.  "The work they do every day to bring comfort to children and families inspires us and makes the sale of the cookbooks an enormous source of pride and satisfaction."

Every night, Ronald McDonald Houses offer comfort, care, hope and healing to more than 8,000 families of seriously ill children.  And after a long day at the hospital, there is nothing more comforting than for these families to be welcomed with a home-cooked meal prepared by loving volunteers.

"The Dillard's Southern Living Christmas Cookbook and the funds raised highlight how a good meal can provide sustenance and strength to families caring for a hospitalized child," said J.C. Gonzalez-Mendez, president and CEO, RMHC.  "We are immensely grateful for the ongoing generosity of Dillard's and its customers.  Together, we are able to give sick children the best medidine of all - their famillies."

For more information, visit www.rmhc.org and www.dillards.com.

Accelerated Analytics Completes Acquisition of afterBOT POS Reporting Business

Bradenton, FL June 12, 2013—Accelerated Analytics®, a leading provider of retail point of sale reporting, announced today it has acquired afterBOT’s retail POS reporting business.  The acquisition further expands the market leadership of Accelerated Analytics as the go to provider for retail point of sale reporting solutions. 

“The acquisition of the afterBOT point of sale reporting business is a key strategic step in our growth strategy for Accelerated Analytics.  We are looking forward to servicing the existing afterBOT customer base, and bringing new capabilities to our existing customers.” said Chad Symens, President and CEO of Accelerated Analytics.

As part of the Accelerated Analytics family afterBOT customers will now have opportunities to expand their retail point of sale reporting through:

• Multi-retailer reporting.  Accelerated Analytics provides reporting for over 100 retailers.  Customers will now have the opportunity to access POS reporting for all their retail customers in a single set of reports.  
• Expanded reporting tools and capabilities including the ability to customize reports and add other non-POS data like shipping. 
• Mobile access to reports on the iPad and iPhone.

As part of the agreement afterBOT has licensed IP to Accelerated Analytics for servicing the current customers which can also be considered for new opportunities in the future. 

Dillard's Profits Rise In Q1

Dillard’s net income for the quarter ended April 28 rose to $95 million, from $76.7 million in the year-ago period, setting a company record for profit increases.

Sales rose to $1.55 billion, from $1.47 billion. Same-store sales climbed 5%, the department store retailer’s seventh consecutive quarter of comp increases.

Dillard’s said it saw its greatest strength in the first quarter from the central region of the United States, followed by the eastern and the western regions.
 
Dillard's CEO, William Dillard, II, stated, "We are happy to report a very strong start to 2012 with our seventh consecutive quarter of increased same-store sales, as well as record setting earnings and earnings per share performances."

As of April 28, the company operated 287 Dillard's locations and 17 clearance centers spanning 29 states and an Internet store at www.dillards.com. Total square footage at April 28 was 52.5 million.

Source:  retailingtoday.com

Dillards EDI 852 Reporting

If you are a vendor supplying to Dillards, you are eligible to receive product sales activity and inventory data via EDI 852. Preparing to setup and receive the EDI 852 files can be confusing, and creating usable reports for your team can be very time consuming. Fortunately, Accelerated Analytics® provides a simple, outsourced service for all your Dillards EDI 852 reporting needs.

Using Accelerated Analytics® makes all your reporting headaches go away. With Accelerated Analytics®, we handle all the data conversion, database hosting and reporting. We even provide training and the end user reporting tools. 

Accelerated Analytics® benefits:

• Eliminate manual data entry and manipulation
• Consolidate all Dillards store data on all your SKU's into one reporting database
• Pre-built exception reports with color coded dashboards
• No software or hardware to purchase
• Sophisticated charts and graphs

Available reports:

• This weeks sales and inventory by store and SKU
• Last weeks sales and inventory by store and SKU
• This months sales and inventory by store and SKU
• 6 week rolling sales and inventory by store and SKU
• Sell-thru
• Inventory turns
• Days supply on hand

Accelerated Analytics® will give you the ability to anticipate changes in sales and inventory, so you can make adjustments before a costly mistake occurs. Our EDI 852 reporting is the best on the market.