Raw Data Report: Coach, Wal-Mart, Williams-Sonoma

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.

88% of Coach (COH) Stores Say Sales and Foot Traffic Consistent, Despite Flagging Economy

In our latest poll, TickerMine surveyed Coach stores nationwide and found that 88% reported consistent store sales patterns and foot traffic over the last six to ten weeks, despite the weakening economy.

Only 8% of stores said they'd seen softening in sales or foot traffic. Thirty-six percent of stores have run recent promotions on handbags, wallets, or footwear. Fifty-eight percent of stores surveyed said there has been a lot of recent customer interest in new products including the Madison collection, a new perfume, or footwear. Thirty-three percent of stores have noticed more window shoppers than average over the last six to ten weeks.

Sales of George and Jodache Women's Fashion Brands Lag at Wal-Mart (WMT)

Wal-Mart, the supermarket chain, was profiled by Tickermine this week. Our researchers asked respondents at 33 locations about how they would describe business, is excess inventory going on sale any time soon, how does the world economy impact business and which brand of women's clothes sells best?

We learned that 19 respondents, 58%, describe business as "above average." Seven people, 21%, say its "average." Five people, 15%, say it is "very strong," and two people, 6%, say it's "below average." 19 people, 58%, have excess inventory going on sale soon. Hannah Montana stuff and Wrangler jeans were among those items cites, 14 people, 42%, have nothing going on sale. 14 people, 42%, say the economy and housing crisis have no bearing on business, 9 people, 27%, say sales hurt as a result and 10 people, 30%, weren't sure. And Faded Glory sells best among women's fashion brands (6 mentions or 18%), followed by George and Jodache, each with 4 mentions (12%).

85% of Williams-Sonoma (WSM) Stores Say Customers Browse Online Before Shopping at Retail

Eighty-one percent of Williams-Sonoma stores say business is as strong or stronger than last year, according to TickerMine's latest poll. Fifty percent of stores reported that business was equally strong, and 31% said business has improved over last year. Sixty-five percent of stores said between 20% and 50% of their merchandise is new this year; an additional 27% said between 60% and 75% of their merchandise is fresh. An overwhelming majority (92%) of stores said customers continue to shop at Williams-Sonoma after using the store for their wedding registry.

The company's ecommerce presence is strong: 85% of stores said many of their customers look at Williams-Sonoma.com before visiting at retail.

Comments

[User 263610:]

I work at a COH store and let me tell you most of us are worried about our jobs, store manager even mentioned to possibility of store closing.

2008 Oct 07 11:33 PM