- Gap's (GPS -12%) weak report on April sales, which followed shortly after an eye-opening read from L Brands (LB -1.2%), has investors skittish on the apparel store stocks.
- Sector decliners today include Francesca's (FRAN -3.4%), Stein Mart (SMRT -3.5%), Ascena Retail (ASNA -3%), Express (EXPR -2.2%), Buckle, Cato (CATO -2.1%), Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF -2%), Amercan Eagle Outfitters (AEO -2%), Tailored Brands (TLRD -1.3%), and Urban Outfitters (URBN -1.5%)
- Analysts are warning that the lack of overall sales volume and the closing of Aeropostale stores could continue to add to the promotional atmosphere.
- In another sign of the problem that apparel stores are having in driving sales with millennials, the new Global X Millennials Thematic ETF (NASDAQ:MILN) has a top holding of Amazon and very little representation of apparel chain stock stocks (LULU and LB make the list).