- Apparel store stocks are trading soft after a brutal cut in guidance from Ascena Retail Group (ASNA -26%) cast a shadow over the group.
- During Ascena's earnings call, CEO David Jaffe said a "highly competitive selling environment" and "significant store traffic headwinds" were tough to overcome.
- Former bulls FBR, Oppenheimer, and RBC Capital Market all abandoned their positive ratings on Ascena. While no Wall Street firms were out with a Sell rating on Ascena this summer in front of the earnings dud, SA contributor Terrier Investing issued a warning in June.
- Decliners today include Tilly's (TLYS -8%), Bebe Stores (OTC:BEBE -3.5%), Stage Stores (SSI -2%), Express (EXPR -2.1%), Chico's FAS (CHS -1.5%), and Destination XL Group (DXLG -1.7%).