Advance Monthly Sales For Retail And Food Services July 2012

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for July, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $403.9 billion, an increase of 0.8 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month and 4.1 percent (±0.7%) above July 2011.  Total sales for the May through July 2012 period were up 4.3 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago.  The May to June 2012 percent change was revised from -0.5 percent (±0.5%) to -0.7% (±0.2%).

Retail trade sales were up 0.8 percent (±0.5%) from June 2012 and 3.7 percent (±0.7%) above last year.  Nonstore retailers sales were up 11.8 percent (±3.1%) from July 2011 and sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores were up 10.6 percent (±4.3%) from last year.

Source:  census.gov

Walmart Plows Forward in 2Q

A fourth consecutive quarter of same store sales growth at Walmart's U.S. business helped the company achieve a slightly better than expected profit performance.

Second quarter earnings grew 8.3% to $1.18, one cent better than the consensus estimate of analysts and at the top of the company's forecast range of $1.13 to $1.18.  Total company sales increased 4.5% to $113.5 billion, and net income increased 5.7% to slightly more than $4 billion.  The key driver of the improved performance was continued strength of the Walmart U.S. business where same store sales increased 2.2%, within the company's guidance range calling for an increase of 1% to 3%.

"I'm really pleased with the continued momentum we see in our Walmart U.S. stores, and this now marks three consecutive quarters of positive comp trafic and four quarters of positive comp sales," said Wal-Mart Stores president and CEO Mike Duke.  "There's such a clear focus among the leadership team to drive the strategy of broad assortment and price leadership.  We continue to win back customers and attract new ones.  We will not let up on our passion to reduce operating expenses so that we can invest in lower prices.  This is the promise that our customers expect from Walmart and what drives greater loyalty."

Sales at U.S. stores grew 3.8% to $67.4 billion, while operating profits increased 5.3% to $5.25 billion.

"Customers are responding to our continued focus on providing the right assortment at everyday low prices," said Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon.  "During the quarter, our average comp traffic increase was equal to serving an average of 80,000 additional customers every day of the 13-week period."

"We believe that the improvements in our quality and overall merchandise offerings are key to driving these results," said Sam's Club president and CEO Rosalind Brewer.  "In fact, member engagement scores continue to achieve record levels.  We're also investing in price to deliver greater value on top of these quality improvements."

Internationally, sales increased 6.4% on a constant currency basis to $32 billion and operating profits increased 5.4% to nearly $1.5 billion.  A strengthening of the U.S. dollar had a major impact on the comparisons to the prior year.  On a constant currency basis sales would have increased by 7.2% to $32.3 billion and operating profits would have increased 11.9% to $1.6 billion.

"Every market delivered positive comps, and I'm pleased that our largest markets, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Canada, collectively delivered stable growth, solid margins and expense leverage, despite challenging environments," said Walmart International president and CEO Doug McMillon.

Walmart increased by a penny and narrowed its full year profit forecast to a range of $4.83 to $4.93 from a prior range of $4.72 to $4.92.

Source: retailingtoday.com

July Retail Sales Rose More Than Forecast

Retail sales advanced 0.8% in July, the first gain in four months, according to a report released by the Commerce Department.  Sales were fueled by strength from the automobile sector, electronics and appliance outlets, and department stores.

The bigger than expected increase followed a 0.7% decline in June that was weaker than first reported.  Bloomberg had forecast a 0.3% rise in July.  The results have buoyed feelings overall that the economy may be improving, albeit at a moderate pace.

"We're looking for consumption to pick up," Credit Agreicole CIB chief economist Michael Carey told Bloomberg.  "There was improved consumer confidence in July plus job gains that were a little better than expected, which is certainly constructive for the household outlook."

Retail sales, which climbed the most since February, followed a quarter in which household spending grew at the slowest pace in a year.  Consumer purchases, about 70% of the economy, increased at a 1.5% annual rate from April to June.

All 13 major retail categories showed a gain last month, led by a 0.8% jump at auto dealers, a 0.9% rise at electronics and appliance outlets, and a 0.6% increase at department stores that was the most since September.

Spending increased 0.8% at clothing stores and 0.7% at general merchandise stores.  Health and personal care sales jumped 1.1%, the most since May 2011.

Industry data also showed that same-store sales at the more than 20 retailers tracked by Retail Metrics Inc. gained 4.4% in July, almost four times analysts' estimates, after only a 0.3% rise in June.

Sales excluding automobiles and service stations advanced 0.9%, the most since January.

Source:  retailingtoday.com

Department Store Players Largely Strong In July

Helped by hot weather and clearance sales, many retailers reported solid results in July, a month that can be slow leading up to the back to school shopping season.  Some of the strongest showings in the month were in the department store category, as all those reporting showed July gains.  

Macy's led the pack with a 4.1% same-store rise in sales.  Total sales increased 5.1% to $1.7 billion over the four-week period.  "Despite some challenges from a sluggish macroeconomic environment and a temporary disruption of sales from the remodeling project at our Herald Square flagship store in New York City, the spring season met our expectations," said Macy's president and CEO Terry Lundgren.

Kohl's reported a lesser 1.7% gain in same-store sales, with total sales up 3.4%.  "We are pleased with the improvement in July's comparable store sales," said Kevin Mansell, president and CEO.

Other department store July results include: Nordstrom same-store sales edged up 0.9%; Saks increased 3.5%; Bon-Ton Stores rose a slight 0.1%; and Stage Stores gained 5.3%, beating the 2.2% rise expected by Wall Street.

Source: retailingtoday.com

ADVANCE MONTHLY SALES FOR RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICES JUNE 2012

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for June, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $401.5 billion, a decrease of 0.5 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month, but 3.8 percent (±0.7%) above June 2011. Total sales for the April through June 2012 period were up 4.7 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago. The April to May 2012 percent change was unrevised from -0.2 percent (±0.2%).

Retail trade sales were down 0.5 percent (±0.5%) from May 2012, but 3.5 percent (±0.7%) above last year. Nonstore retailers sales were up 10.9 percent (±3.1%) from June 2011 and furniture and home furnishings stores were up 7.8 percent (±2.8%) from last year.

Source: census.gov

Cheers for Walmart at 50

Walmart observed its 50th anniversary in fine fashion this week as its share price hit an all-time high.

Walmart shares closed Tuesday at an all time high of $70.75, nearly 18% above the $59.97 level where they began the year and more than 46% above the 52-week low price of $48.31 seen late last summer. The move is nothing short of remarkable considering an investment in Walmart was dead money for the past dozen years as shares traded for a little more than $69 back in December 1999.

The recent run up comes as Walmart has logged three consecutive quarters of accelerating same store sales growth. Analysts are optimistic the company continues to experience favorable sales trends during the second quarter, especially in its U.S. stores, as merchandising initiatives to broaden assortment and more effective marketing around a familiar low price message are gaining traction, just as moderating gas prices are leaving the company’s core shoppers with more money to spend.

The company’s improved stock price performance also is likely having an intangible effect on employee morale in stores, where the stock price is posted in common areas each day, and at the company’s home office.

Source: retailingtoday.com

Retail sales slow in May, but industry not worried

After a surprisingly strong first quarter, consumers have slowed their spending in May, according to the latest report from the National Retail Federation. The NRF reported that May retail sales (excluding automobile, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.3% seasonally adjusted from April, but increased 4.8% unadjusted year-over-year, marking 23 consecutive months of retail sales growth.

“As the first industry to feel any backlash from consumers’ attitudes about the revival of the economy, retailers are far from discouraged by May’s sales report.  It’s evident that consumers are simply taking a breath,” said NRF Ppresident and CEO Matthew Shay. “Going forward, retailers will make sure to keep a steady eye on key economic indicators, being cautious with inventory and promotions as back to school – the second biggest time of the year – approaches.”

May retail sales, released by the U.S. Department of Commerce, showed total retail and food services sales (which includes non-general merchandise categories such as automobiles, gasoline stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month but increased 7.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

“Overall, consumers are benefiting from the slow but steady decline in gasoline prices and we expect growth will resume, and should pick up through the fall,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz.

Other findings from the May retail sales figures include:

• Clothing and clothing accessories stores' sales increased 0.9% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 7.3% unadjusted year-over-year.

• Electronics and appliance stores’ sales increased 0.8% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 1.2% unadjusted year-over-year.

• Furniture and home furnishing stores’ sales increased 0.4% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 11.4% unadjusted year-over-year. 

• Health and personal care stores’ sales decreased 0.1% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month but increased 3.1% unadjusted year-over-year. 

• Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores’ sales decreased 0.1% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month but increased 9.1% unadjusted year-over-year.

Source: retailingtoday.com

ADVANCE MONTHLY SALES FOR RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICES May 2012

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for May, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $404.6 billion, a decrease of 0.2 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month, but 5.3 percent (±0.7%) above May 2011.  Total sales for the March through May 2012 period were up 5.7 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago.  The March to April 2012 percent change was revised from 0.1 percent (±0.5) to -0.2 percent (±0.2%). 

Retail trade sales were down 0.2 percent (±0.5%) from April 2012, but 5.0 percent (±0.7%) above last year.  Nonstore retailers sales were up 12.4 percent (±3.1%) from May 2011 and motor vehicles and parts dealers were up 10.0 percent (±2.1%) from last year. 

Source:  census.gov

Macy’s same-store sales rise 4.2% in May on strength of online

Macy’s reported Wednesday that same-store sales for the month of May increased 4.2% compared with the previous year.  Revenue rose 4.1% to $2.02 billion.

“Growth in May 2012 came from stores and online, and across geography and categories of business,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and CEO. “We are seeing the ongoing benefit of the key strategies that have propelled our success over the past several years, including My Macy’s localization, omnichannel integration and associate training to enhance customer engagement.”

Online sales for Macys.com and Bloomingdales.com combined were up 42.3% in May.

Source:  retailingtoday.com

Lowe’s reports sales, earnings gains on warmer weather

Lowe’s reported net earnings of $527 million for the quarter ended May 4, a 14.3% increase over the same period a year ago.  Sales for the quarter increased 7.9% to $13.2 billion, from $12.2 billion in the first quarter of 2011.  Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 2.6%, while comparable-store sales for the U.S. business increased 2.7%.

“We delivered solid results for the quarter, consistent with our expectation at the beginning of the year,” said Robert A. Niblock, Lowe’s chairman, president and CEO. “While we capitalized on better than anticipated weather during most of the quarter, demand for seasonal products slowed toward the end.”

Lowe’s results follow a few days after its rival Home Depot announced first quarter sales and earnings increases of 5.9% and 27.5%, respectively.  Included in the results is a charge related to a previously announced reduction in staff at U.S. headquarters. This charge reduced pre-tax earnings for the first quarter by $17 million.

“We continue to maintain a cautious view of the housing and macro demand environment, and are focused on what we can control,” Niblock added. “We are building on our core strengths and strategically investing in ways that will better position Lowe’s for success. I would like to express my gratitude to our employees for their continued dedication and customer focus.”

Lowe’s operates 1,747 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico representing 196.7 million square feet of retail selling space.

Source:  retailingtoday.com

ADVANCE MONTHLY SALES FOR RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICES April 2012

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for April, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $408.0 billion, an increase of 0.1 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month and 6.4 percent (±0.7%) above April 2011.  Total sales for the February through April 2012 period were up 6.6 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago.  The February to March 2012 percent change was revised from 0.8 percent (±0.5) to 0.7 percent (±0.3%).  

Retail trade sales were up 0.1 percent (±0.5%) from March 2012 and 6.1 percent (±0.7%) above last year.  Nonstore retailers sales were up 11.0 percent (±3.1%) from April 2011 and building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers were up 10.3 percent (±2.8%) from last year.

Source: census.gov

Walmart Q1 comps gain 2.6%

First quarter profits at Walmart exceeded analysts’ estimates, as same-store sales increased 2.6%, and the company said its strategy of low prices on a broad merchandise assortment is resonating again with shoppers.

Sales for the quarter increased 8.6% to $112.3 billion, compared with $103.4 billion in the first quarter last year. The results would have been even stronger, except for an approximately $800 million headwind related to a negative currency exchange rate. Earnings per share of $1.09 were a nickel ahead of analysts’ estimates and three cents higher than the top end of the company’s guidance of $1.01 to $1.06.

“Our overall performance reflects the success of Walmart’s business model: driving the productivity loop, leveraging expenses and investing in price leadership,” said Wal-Mart Stores president and CEO Mike Duke. “We believe that the momentum throughout our business positions us very well for the rest of the year.”

Strength was evident across all three of the company’s business segments, but it was the performance of the U.S. group that stood out, thanks to a 2.6% same store sales increase that exceed the company’s flat to 2% guidance range and marked the third consecutive quarter of U.S. comp improvement. Total U.S. sales increased 5.9% to $66.3 billion.

“In a highly competitive retail environment, Walmart U.S. is increasing price separation across categories and driving increased traffic to both the grocery and general merchandise areas of our stores,” Duke said.

Source: retailingtoday.com

Home Depot Lawn Products Are Golden In Q1

Home Depot saw comp-store sales increase 5.8% in the first quarter of strong sales and earnings growth.  Home Depot’s Craig Menear, EVP merchandising, shared details and data from a first quarter that saw double-digit comps in certain seasonal product categories.  A long list of products were described as double-digit comp generators, including walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, lawn accessories, soils and mulches. “Warmer than expected weather allowed customers to complete exterior projects and begin spring projects early,” he said, estimating a 300 basis point boost for U.S. comps due to the weather.  “The core of the store continues to perform,” Menear said.  Stores are also seeing recovery of the pro business, which historically account for about 30% of the company’s overall sales.

Source:  retailingtoday.com

Nordstrom's Q1 Profits Hurt By Promotions, Shipping; Misses Street

Nordstrom Inc's profit for the first quarter edged up just 2.7% to $149 million, compared with $145 million in the same period last year. Results, which were negatively impacted by free shipping offers and promotional initiatives, met internal expectations, but missed Wall Street estimates.

Sales soared 13.7% to $2.53 billion, but still missed analysts’ forecast of $2.55 billion. Same-store sales rose 8.5%.

Nordstrom has seen strong performance of late, as the luxury category has continued to gain strength, but investments into customer experience initiatives, such as free shipping on all online purchases with no minimum purchase requirement, have squeezed profit margins. The initiatives, however, have had a positive impact on Nordstrom’s e-commerce business, as online sales rose 44.2% in the quarter ended April 28.

Source:  retailingtoday.com

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

Online sales give Macy's a big boost in Q1

CINCINNATI — Macy's Inc. reported a significant increase in sales for the first quarter, thanks to a strong performance in its online business. The company reported that total sales for the quarter increased 4.3% to $6.1 billion. Online sales for the quarter increased 33.7% and contributed 1.5 percentage points to the company's same-store sales increase of 4.4% for the period.

Macy's Inc. reported an earnings increase of 43% to 43 cents per diluted share, compared with 30 cents per diluted share in the same period last year.

In the first quarter of 2012, Macy's opened new stores in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Greendale, Wis.

"The momentum in our business at Macy's and Bloomingdale's continued to build in the first quarter, with sales and earnings that exceeded our expectations going into the year. The quarterly data clearly demonstrates the strength of our results as we continue to implement our key strategies - My Macy's merchandise localization; omnichannel integration of stores, online and mobile; and MAGIC Selling for enhanced customer engagement," said Terry Lundgren, Macy's Inc. chairman, president and CEO.

Macy's Inc. is now expecting same-store sales for fiscal 2012 to increase by approximately 3.7%, slightly higher than previous guidance for a same-stores sales increase of approximately 3.5% in fiscal 2012. The company reiterates its guidance for earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2012 of $3.25 to $3.30.

Kohl's earnings slip, comps up in Q1

Despite dropping from the previous year, Kohl's said its net income for the first quarter ended April 28 was in line with its expectations. The company reported net income of $154 million (63 cents per diluted share) compared with $201 million ($0.69 per diluted share) a year ago. Net sales were $4.2 billion, an increase of 1.9% for the quarter. Comparable-store sales for the quarter increased 0.2 percent.

Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and CEO, said, “Our first quarter results reflect the implementation of our strategy to initiate lower pricing in order to provide greater value to our customers. This planned action led to significantly lower gross margins for the quarter. Strong management of expenses allowed us to achieve our earnings goal for the quarter. We have accelerated new receipts into second quarter to ensure we are well-positioned from an inventory perspective for the back-to-school season. The combination of these two actions should allow us to greatly improve our sales for the fall season.”

Kohl's ended the quarter with 1,134 stores in 49 states, compared with 1,097 stores at the same time last year. The company opened nine new stores, including one relocated store, and closed one store during the quarter.  Plans are to open approximately 10 more stores in the fall season and to remodel approximately 50 stores in 2012.

For the second quarter, Kohl's expects earnings to range from 96 cents to $1.02 per diluted share. The guidance is based on total sales growth of 2% to 3% and comparable-store sales growth of flat to 1% and includes expected second quarter share repurchases of $250 million. The company maintains its previously announced fiscal 2012 guidance of $4.75 per diluted share.

Source: retailingtoday.com

ADVANCE MONTHLY SALES FOR RETAIL AND FOOD SERVICES MARCH 2012

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that advance estimates of U.S. retail and food services sales for March, adjusted for seasonal variation and holiday and trading-day differences, but not for price changes, were $411.1 billion, an increase of 0.8 percent (±0.5%) from the previous month and 6.5 percent (±0.7%) above March 2011.  Total sales for the January through March 2012 period were up 6.4 percent (±0.5%) from the same period a year ago.  The January to February 2012 percent change was revised from 1.1 percent (±0.5) to 1.0 percent (±0.2%). 

Retail trade sales were up 0.8 percent (±0.5%) from February 2012 and 6.5 percent (±0.7%) above last year.  Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers sales were up 14.1 percent (±2.6%) from March 2011 and nonstore retailers were up 9.3 percent (±3.0%) from last year.

Source:  census.gov

Spring Apparel, Candy to Send Easter Sales Past $16 Billion, According to NRF

Spring Apparel, Candy to Send Easter Sales Past $16 Billion, According to NRF

It seems even high prices at the pump can’t keep the Easter Bunny away this year.  According to NRF’s Easter spending survey, conducted by BIGinsight, Americans will shell out an average of $145.28 on everything from apparel and candy to food and decorations this year, up 11 percent from $131.04 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $16.8 billion.*

“Though the price of gas is on everyone’s mind, Easter is one of the few holidays some consumers are willing to stretch their budgets, especially because many children look forward to treats and new outfits on Easter morning,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “Retailers will make sure to offer plenty of promotions on candy, apparel, food and decorations in the coming weeks for eager holiday shoppers.”

Read the entire article on NRF's website

February Retail Sales Increase 8.6 Percent Over Last Year

February Retail Sales Increase 8.6 Percent Over Last Year, Marking 20 Consecutive Months of Growth

With a spring in their step, retailers marked 20 consecutive months of sustained year-over-year retail sales growth in February as unseasonably warm temperatures and comparisons with weak sales in 2011 resulted in stronger-than-expected increases. According to the National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, February retail industry sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted from January, and 8.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

 “Though February is typically a month for consumers to stay home and wait for spring, shoppers this year took advantage of mild weather to get a head start on outdoor projects and warm-weather apparel,” NRF President and CEO Matthew R. Shay said. “While February sales certainly present continued reason for optimism, retailers are paying close attention to rising gasoline prices, which are forcing millions of our customers to spend a significant portion of disposable income filling their gas tanks.”

February retail sales, released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce, showed total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1.1 percent adjusted month-to-month and 10.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year. NRF continues to forecast retail industry sales will rise 3.4 percent in 2012 to $2.53 trillion.

“Pent-up demand is turning desires into needs, which is one reason why consumers have begun opening up their wallets,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “There is no doubt that the economy is on the upswing, certainly compared to six months ago. Stronger-than-expected February sales and an improving labor market paint a bright picture of the U.S. economy, although the impact rising gas prices will have on the economy’s momentum remains unclear.”

Other findings from February retail sales numbers include:
•    Pleasant weather lifted retail sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores 1.0 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 7.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
•    Homeowners used the mild winter to work outdoors, which helped sales at building material, garden equipment and supplies dealers increase 1.4 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 18.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
•    Department stores saw increased retail sales of 1.5 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 4.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
•    New spring and summer fashions helped lure shoppers to clothing and clothing accessories stores, which saw retail sales increase by 1.8 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and 11.6 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

For Immediate Release, NRF
Stephen E. Schatz (202) 626-8119
SchatzS@NRF.com