The Retail Focus Podcast

Despite widespread negative media attention, we discuss why there are legitimate reasons for optimism surrounding JCPenney. Additionally, we take on an excellent earnings call from Home Depot, how Nordstrom is putting up solid numbers despite decreased traffic, RH’s share buyback, and why Sam’s Club comparable store sales projections for the current quarter may be a bit low.

A Bloomberg report suggests Payless may close nearly 20% of its store base as they restructure debt—we look at what this means for the footwear retailer. And, while Gander Mountain faces more potential troubles, outerwear retailer Moosejaw gets snatched up by Walmart. We close out with Retail Properties of America financials, and exploring the dynamics of Valentine’s Day spending.

Gap bucks the recent mall retail trend, revealing preliminary same store sales numbers that are positive for two of their brands. We discuss how Whole Foods’ recent earnings call reveals a change in strategy for the grocer, and how Aldi seeks to grab more U.S. market share. Finally, we talk bankruptcy news from Marbles: The Brain Store and rough sales numbers at The Container Store.

We detail slight earnings disappointments from Under Armour and 1-800-Flowers.com, as well as Vintage Stock’s announcement of new openings this week and their future brick-and-mortar growth plans. Our interview guest is Nicole Lasky, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Northeastern State University, who discusses at length how shoplifters use “body gloss” to appear like a normal customer inside a retail store.