Retail
Which Retailers Will Be Sales Winners on Final Weekend Before Christmas?
Published:
Last Updated:
Industry analyst firm Retail Metrics said on Tuesday that it expects December same-store sales to rise by 4.0% compared with last December. Discounting remains, but the steep early discounts of 40% and 50% around Black Friday have moderated. Excluding drug store sales, December’s same-store sales are expected to be 3.3% higher than December 2013. The combined November/December same-store sales increase is expected to be 4.4% year-over-year.
Stores seeing the most traffic according to Retail Metrics are the Pink and Victoria’s Secret stores owned by L Brands Inc. (NYSE: LB), Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) Apple Store and Best Buy Co. Inc. (NYSE: BBY), among others. Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M) was the busiest mall anchor store, and Retail Metric’s scouts noted that J.C. Penney Stores Inc. (NYSE: JCP) mall stores were “moderately busy.” Teen retail and specialty stores appeared to be “relatively quiet” last weekend.
Strong sales are predicted for new cars, big-ticket items for the home, electronics, wearables, smartphones, tablets and 4K Ultra high-definition TV. Retail Metrics especially noted GoPro Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) cameras and Apple’s iPhone 6 as strong sellers. Athletic leisure gear, boots, handbags and accessories continue to be solid sellers as well.
Electronics gear has been a steady winner throughout the holiday season this year, just as teen and specialty apparel retailers have had a tough time. The apparel sellers may revert to deeper discounting, exchanging profits for sales and lower post-holiday inventories. If recent preliminary estimates from many of the specialty retailers are any guide, some retailers’ fourth-quarter results are not looking healthy.
ALSO READ: Walmart Cuts More Prices
Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)
Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.
Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future
Get started right here.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Latest from 24/7
