Raw Data Report: Retail

Each day, Wall Street is flooded with stock research offering a multitude of conflicting investment opinions. As such, TickerMine is not in the business of providing more opinions. We believe that accurate raw data points can be used to gain insight in to the stock selection and valuation process.

Most Customers at Zumiez (ZUMZ) Stores Spend Paltry Sums of $30-$60

Zumiez, the company that makes gear for skateboarding and snowboarding, was profiled by Tickermine researchers this week after the company announced its 0.2% sales rise in May. We asked whether sales have crept up this summer, what was the most popular snowboard gear this past winter, what brand appeals to teenagers the most, how well stocked is this product and what is the average sales receipt?

Thirty stores were consulted. Sales look reasonable according to our survey with only seven respondents or 23% saying sales had not risen this summer and 23 people or 77% saying sales had jumped. The best selling snowboard was the Burton (the choice of 24 respondents or 80%) and then the Roxy (five mentions, 17%) and the Alien Workshop (1 mention or 3%).

Burton was also the best selling brand with teenagers overall with 6 mentions or 20% of the poll. Next was DC, Volcom and Vans (4 mentions each or 13%). Roxy was cited three times (10%) and Billabong, no longer fashionable it seems, was cited twice (7%). Four persons or 13% said some of these items were in back order but most, 26 or 87%, said they had ample stock.

And customers aren't really spending that much: 14 respondents or 47% said the typical receipt is $30-$60. 11 or 37% said customers spend between $100-$150 and 5 or 17% said the amounts were more like $65-$99 per sale. Things weren't likely to improve soon either. 22 respondents or 73% said they had sale items on clearance. Only 8 or 27% did not.

34% of Liz Claiborne (LIZ) Stores Have Excess Inventory, Survey Says

Tickermine consulted Claiborne Liz, Inc. this week, the fashion company behind global retail-based brands including Kate Spade, Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand Jeans. We consulted 32 Liz Claiborne stores around the country and asked how business was last month? Does any excess inventory exist? Are the weak economy and housing market impacting business and what is your best selling item?

Results were good overall with 15 respondents or 47% reporting business as "average." 12 people or 38% described it as "above average." Only two respondents 6% said it was below average and 3 respondents or 9% reported it as "very strong." Meanwhile 18 respondents or 56% said they had no excess inventory while 14 people or 34% said overstocked inventory existed.

Nine respondents, 28% of the poll, said the economy and housing market had no bearing on their business. 15 or 47% weren't sure either way and only 8 or 25% thought these factors slowed sales. And our survey found that skirts and T-shirts sold best (4 respondents each or 13%) followed by jeans and then capris (9% or 3 mentions each), striped pique polos, summer dresses and swimsuits all received 2 mentions or 6% of the poll.

48% of Stores Selling Juicy Couture See Increasing Sales

TickerMine polled stores including Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Off Fifth, and Juicy Couture about the sales of Juicy Couture apparel. All stores contacted sell Juicy Couture. Just over half of them (52%) said they sell more apparel from Juicy Couture than from other brands. The stores reported that Juicy Couture is "very popular", "expensive", and "good quality." Forty-eight percent of respondents said sales of Juicy Couture are increasing; another 40% said sales remain consistent. Only 28% of stores expect a sale on Juicy Couture clothing.