- Today's promotional battle between Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) could have two winners (besides consumers) and many losers, according to retail analysts.
- The retail machines could pull forward some back-to-school sales away from rivals and smaller chains without the online reach.
- Shopatron's John Pincott notes it's nearly impossible for consumers to miss the Amazon and Wal-Mart deals due to the broad marketing efforts and allure of a Black Friday-type event.
- Amazon initiated the promotional battle with a one-day sale celebrating the company's 20th anniversary, while Wal-Mart continues to counterpunch against the moves coming out of Seattle.
- Margin worries will continue to be in the background while the heavyweights slug it out for top-line growth.
- What to watch: Companies in the line of fire of the promotional salvos include Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS), Best Buy (NYSE:BBY), Target (NYSE:TGT), Costco (NASDAQ:COST), and Office Depot (NYSE:ODP). There's also an alarming trend in play for department stores (JCP, DDS, KSS, M, TJX) with more BTS family shopping for clothing turning online.