False Positives

In case you don’t know, a “false positive” is a result that is erroneously classified as positive—typically because of a flaw in testing methods or analysis. False positives can cause major issues.  One obvious example is the concern that can be caused by a faulty medical test result. In business this usually plays out differently. [...]

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The Stall at the Mall: Retail’s Tepid Bounce Off the Bottom

So last month’s retail comparable sales numbers are out and they are pretty bad. According to Financo, the specialty retail sector (guys like Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch) was down 1.1% for May, despite comparing against a 7.3% decline last year.  Department stores fared better, up 1.8%–but that compares against a horrific last year when [...]

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Market Share Growth: Get in the Car and Drive

Market share growth is a long-term key to success. As growth becomes harder to come by, growing share of wallet is going to be answer for many companies. Having a compelling customer strategy is critical. Companies that don’t have one need to get one ASAP. Companies that have one need to press their advantage.

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Squeeze Play: The Luxury Off-Price Market Hits the Wall

During the past 18 months luxury retail consumers have come to enjoy wide-scale deep discounts.  Many of the deals came from established players such as Neiman Marcus, Saks, Barneys, who–stuck with inventory they could not sell when consumer demand dried up–resorted to extensive promotions to turn merchandise into cash. The real sizzle to the story, [...]

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A Rebound is Not a Recovery

The news during the last few days has been rife with stories heralding that the consumer is back!   Yesterday one story’s headline opined: “March Retail Sales Surge As Long-Cautious Shoppers Splurge.” Splurge?  Really? Clearly retail sales are getting better, and there is some evidence that momentum is building.  But the improved comp. store sales [...]

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