Raw Data Report: Clothing

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Joe's Jeans (JOEZ) a Top Seller; Sales of Premium Denim Strong

In a follow up to an earlier survey, Tickermine interviewed employees at 28 stores where Joe's Jeans are sold in addition to other premium denim. As in the previous survey, sales of premium denim still remain strong with 18% of respondents indicating that business was "very strong" this month, 37% said it was "above average," 33% called business average and 15% thought it was "below average." The majority (75%) of stores did not have inventory that was going to be discounted soon but 43% did feel that the weak housing market and economy in general were hurting business. Of the stores polled, 61% reported that Joes Jeans were the best selling brand of women's clothing right now a big change from our March survey where True Religion garners 58% of responses. The DKNY brand came in second in the current survey, with 11% of answers, and 7 for Mankind and True Religion tied for third, each with 7% of responses.

56% of Fashion Store Respondents Say True Religion (TRLG) Jeans Are Selling "Above Average"; 19% Report Sales as "Very Strong"

True Religion Apparel Inc., the Vernon, Calif., based maker of True Religion jeans was surveyed by Tickermine this month. Twenty seven stores that stock the jeans were surveyed around the country including Macy's, Nordstrom's, Bloomingdales and Barney's of New York. 15 respondents or 56% of those polled said that True Religion jeans were selling "above average." Five respondents or 19% of those interviewed described sales of the designer jeans as "average " while another 19% described sales as "very strong." Only two respondents or 7% reported sales as "below average." Our researchers asked respondents which women's brand of jeans was selling best and the majority, seven respondents or 25% said that True Religion jeans sold best. 7 For All Mankind jeans also sold well (14%), as well as Joe's jeans and Lucky Brand jeans (11% each). Diesel and then Abercrombie and Fitch were each mentioned twice (7%) and DKNY, Levis, Timberland and Paper Denims were each cited by one respondent or by 4% of those polled. We asked the respondents what they thought of True Religion jeans? Respondents thought the jeans were too expensive, and the rest had only positive things to say, especially about the style, cuts and quality. True Religion jeans fared well when we asked respondents which top brand jeans they would not recommend to customers? Levi's jeans were cited most liberally (by 22% of those surveyed). Respondents felt these jeans were out of style and unfashionable. Lei Jeans were also mentioned (11%) because the respondents felt that the jeans were made poorly and 7 for All Mankind jeans were cited (by 11%). Our sources thought the fits were uncomfortable. Joe's Jeans and Diesel were each mentioned by 7% of those polled and True Religion was mentioned by only one respondent or 4%.

Lululemon (LULU) Shoppers Spend an Average of $101 Per Shop; Most Pay Full Price for the Gear

Lululemon Athletica Inc., the maker of yoga athletic wear seems to be having a great year. The British Columbia-based company reported fourth-quarter net revenue increases by 101% in February to $105 million and its next earnings will be in June. Tickermine surveyed 25 retail stores across the nation and asked respondents about the spending habits of their customers, what percent of their customers are return customers, what are the best selling items in their stores, how strong is their inventory and do their customers often pay full price or sale price for the goods? The average amount spent at the Lululemon stores was $101, our survey has found, and 52% of the stores customers are returning customers. The most popular clothing items were pants; cited by 16% of those polled (these included the All Sport pant, the Down Dawg pant and Divine Crop pants). Another 16% of respondents said the women's Anise Tank sold best. And another 16% said their Kissy Bikini Top was a bestseller. The Alluring Tank for women, the Activa Jacket, the Bella Top, the Bloom Gym bag and the Strength Tech LS shirt were each cited as the best-selling item by two people or by 8% of those polled. The following were each cited by one person as the best-selling item or by 4% of those interviewed: Hoodies, the women's Marathon Bra and the Yoga Skirt. Seven respondents or 28% of those polled said they do struggle to keep their best-selling items in stock. One respondents cited that the tall line of clothing was particularly scarce. 18 respondents or 72% said their stock was buoyant. Interestingly, six respondents or 24% said that their customers were bargain shoppers and only bought items off of the sale rack. A healthy 19 respondents or 76% said their customers paid full price for the goods.

Comments

[Mickey85606]

Publisher needs to look past the old standby names-sales growth and fit show William Rast WR(pplb) and other new names are growing in denim.

[Swingline]

LULU got absolutely crushed today, down 7% (03/06/08)