- Retailers want the U.S. election over and quick. The negative tone has created a degree of uncertainty with consumers that has impacted spending and traffic patterns, according to a host of top execs.
- "There is just great uncertainty as to what is going to happen in the U.S. in particular as a result of the outcome of the election," noted Yum Brands (NYSE:YUM) CEO Greg Creed recently. "People may be hunkering down a little bit," he added.
- Expect the topic to be raised on a large number of Q3 earnings calls over the next month to explain away revenue misses.
- It's not an excuse that everyone is buying into. Retail Metrics president Ken Perkins doubts that daily shopping needs are cut short by election fascination and notes consumer confidence is measuring high. Then there's Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) which seems to be rolling right along without any Clinton-Trump fatigue.
- Beyond the election wildcard, two underestimated factors impacting some retailers in a more concrete way are the lower level of SNAP (food stamps) benefits being paid out by the government and the elevated cost of health care. There is also the massive challenge with a millennial generation that shuns chains. Just ask anyone in the restaurant sector (NASDAQ:BITE).
- Add it all up and it makes for a challenging period for a mix of retailers that includes Dollar General (NYSE:DG), Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:DLTR), Fred's (NASDAQ:FRED), Ross Stores (NASDAQ:ROST), Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT), Target (NYSE:TGT), Staples (NASDAQ:SPLS), McDonald's (NYSE:MCD), Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (PLKI), Wendy's (NYSE:WEN), Supervalu (NYSE:SVU), Kroger (NYSE:KR), SIgnet (NYSE:SIG), TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX), and Casey's General Stores (NASDAQ:CASY).
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