-
Rethinking the return of the consumer
Expectations outpaced the willingness of consumers to spend during December, as large numbers of retailers reported results that were less than expected. Weather certainly affected the ability of shoppers to get to stores, as heavy rains pelted California and blizzards hit the Northeast, but that type of stuff happens in December. A bigger factor was that retailers were victims of their own success. Recall November was something of a promotionpalooza and shoppers found offers that arrived early and often to be irresistible.
-
Discount results a mixed bag as Target, Costco fall short and TJX outperforms
New York City -- Discounters reported mixed results for December sales, with many, including Target Corp. and Costco Wholesale Corp., posting gains that fell below analysts’ expectations.
Target Corp. said its same-store sales edged up 0.9%, well short of analyst expectations for a 4% increase. The chain said weaknesses in electronics, toys and some home categories offset strength in grocery and apparel items.