Top Retailers Post Mixed Results For November

The latest retail sales data is out, and its rather mixed:

-Gap (GPS) fell 2 percent. They expect pressure on profit margins to continue into December.

-Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) sales fell 3 percent in the month;

-American Eagle Outfitters (AEOS) posted good numbers -- plus 14% -- but was below expectations for a 14.8% gains;

Pier 1 Imports (PIR) saw sales tumble 15.3%, despite aggressive discounting / advertising ;

Ann Taylor (ANN) blamed warm weather for sales falling 4.3%, especially "sweaters, outerwear and cold weather accessories."

- Source: Warm weather chills holiday sales

Sometimes the retailers blame Snow in the Winter, this  year they are blaming the weak sales on warm weather. Apparently, its not the economy or the consumer tiring , or the housing / MEW slow down, it is the weather - REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE WEATHER IS.

If you want a clue as to what is really going on, try this compare and contrast:

Wal-Mart Trips as It Changes a Bit Too Fast

Tiffany Profit Increases 23%

There's your answer . . .

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One more thing: The WSJ has a good interactive chart that allows you to track the performers of a dozen top retailers -- click to view:

Its a public URL, No subscription required.