Apparel misery loves company

June proved to be another challenging month for apparel retailers, as they suffered the trifecta of negatives including wet weather, challenging sales conditions and comparisons to a prior-year period when sales benefited from government stimulus checks. June was the second coolest in 10 years, with record rainfall in cities including New York, Boston and Chicago, according to weather research firm Planalytics, so retailers with exposure to those markets suffered. As retailers reported their monthly figures last week weakness cut across all sectors, but hit clothing stores particularly hard. There were a few stand outs, Aeropostale’s June same-store sales rose 12% and The Buckle said its comps increased 9.6%, but most struggled mightily.

One of the sharpest declines was registered by teen retailer Abercrombie & Fitch Co. whose same-store sales fell 32% in June. Zumiez said that its same-store sales tumbled 19.3% in June. Limited Brands struggled with a 12% drop in same-store sales last month and Gap posted a 10% decline in same-store sales. Wet Seal said its comps declined 11.1%, The Children's Place reported a 12% decline and Stage Stores dropped 12.6%. A similar drop was posted at American Eagle Outfitters, where same store sales declined 11%. Hot Topic said its same-store sales fell 7.9% in June.