No retailer can afford to underestimate the importance of good marketing and public relations. Target also comes across as a better corporate citizen than Wal-Mart because it makes it a point to inform people about its efforts to give back to communities.
On the other hand, every major retailer subscribes to weather consulting firms that give seasonal forecasts over a period of a year in advance. They can better plan inventory accordingly.
These little niche markets such as banking and publishing don't make economic sense for Wal-Mart.
A couple decent quarters do not a turnaround make. The competitive issues haven't changed that much. February sales looked better but they're also set against easier comparisons. There's still a long way to go until a real turnaround.
Retailers have to be aggressive in the coming weeks. Those with attractive discounts will do well.
These are not cookie-cutter businesses. They require unique discipline and mind set.
The no. 1 domestic growth driver will be grocery. Wal-Mart has a lot of room to grow there. It's already the No. 1 grocer in Texas.
We're continuing to see retailers cite the weather for either making or breaking their sales numbers. Frankly, I think is an excuse tailored to satisfy Wall Street. Wall Street is a little more forgiving if a major retailer blames weather for disappointing sales.
The whole consumer electronics industry is seeing a flattening of their business this summer.
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