Retail

While Wall Street cheers Urban Outfitters for not doing quite so badly as forecast, the reality is that this is a lousy set of results. Not only are the numbers sequentially worse than a pretty dire first quarter, but they also show that many of the initiatives put into play remain a long way from delivering.  

Target Corp. came roaring back in its second quarter from a year-long sales slump amid evidence that its investments in online and store remodels are paying off. The discounter raised its outlook for the year.   Sales rose 1.6% to $16.43 billion in the quarter ended July 29, beating analysts' estimates of $16.30 billion. Same-store sales rose 1.3%, also more than analysts had expected. Comparable digital sales surged 32%.  

Off-price powerhouse TJX Companies still seems plenty of room for store expansion — particularly in the home good sector.    The retailer, which reported strong second quarter results on Tuesday, has more than 3,800 stores worldwide and will open 260 new locations this year. Long term, it sees the opportunity for 5,600 stores with it current banners, or about 1,700 more locations than it currently operates.   

The delivery wars continue to heat up.  

Posting less-than-expected earnings in its second quarter, the nation's largest sporting goods retailer plans to take a more promotional stance.   Dick's Sporting Goods reported consolidated net income of $112.4 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, for the quarter ended July 29, compared to $91.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Excluding certain items, earnings came in at 96 cents, lower than the $1.01 that   analysts had expected.  

Pop-up stores are a retail trend that shows no sign of slowing down.   The ability to create a brick-and-mortar presence without many of the hassles that come with establishing and maintaining a permanent physical location has become an increasingly attractive option in recent years. The pop-up store concept has transformed into an estimated $50 billion industry — fostering new partnerships, experiential marketing opportunities and a unique way for retail brands to engage with their customers.   

Coach ends its fiscal with a set of strong results that signify the turnaround program is making excellent progress. Although sales shrunk in both North America and Europe, this is because this quarter was a week shorter than the same period last year. When this is stripped out, total Coach brand sales rose by 5%, or by 7% on a constant currency basis.  

The CEO of the nation's largest private employer has criticized the administration’s response to the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia.    In a note to Walmart employees posted on the company's website, CEO Doug McMillon said that President Trump "missed a critical opportunity" in his initial reaction to the "tragic events" that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. But he called Trump's follow-up remarks on Monday "a step in the right direction."