Luxury Retail:What Coach Has Going For It

We've seen our company improve about 20 points,said Coach CEO Victor Luis.We have continued growth in Europe and are doubling our China business.We're really pleased with the Chinese consumer internationally.Tourist flows are up in Europe and Japan.The consumer is looking for quality at great value,and Coach is uniquely situated to meet that need.*
In general,we see ourselves taking share from the traditional European luxury players.Our number one priority is the Coach brand,remodeling our store fleet.By the end of June,we will be 40% remodeled.We have tremendous confidence in the handbag and accessories space.It's the number one investment that women-and increasingly,men-make in their wardrobe.*
Our Stuart Weitzman brand is helping us in the footwear space.In spite of the warm holiday,they were number one in boot sales.*
Coach offers accessories and gifts for men and women,from handbags and men's bags to women's and men's small leather goods;footwear;outerwear;watches;fragrances;and jewelry.*
Coach,Inc (COH)

Hudson's Bay Co. Reduces Debt - a good investment now?

On 18 November,the Hudson's Bay Company sold 533 million dollars of equity in its stake of HBS Global Properties Joint Venture (properties in the US and Germany) to three third party investors:real estate investment trusts Ivanhoe Cambridge (250 million) and Madison International Realty (150 million);plus a large US pension fund (133 million).Ivanhoe will have a seat on the Hudson's Bay board of directors.Proceeds of the sale will pay down Hudson's Bay's 1.085 billion dollar loan to 500 million.The company will retain a 63% stake in HBS Global Properties,which it said it may sell more of for further deleveraging or acquisitions.*
Hudson's Bay,of Toronto,Canada,began as a fur trader in 1670,and is the oldest North American company.It evolved into a department store titan with more than 460 stores and 65,000 employees worldwide.Its major banners include Hudson's Bay,Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue in North America;GALERIA Kaufhof in Germany;and Galeria INNO in Belgium.Hudson's Bay other retail holdings are FIND@Lord & Taylor,Home Outfitters and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH in North America;and SPORTARENA in Germany.*
In addition to retail,the midcap growth company has acquired a substantial real estate portfolio consisting of its remaining stake in the aforementioned HBS Global Properties Joint Venture and the RioCan - HBC Joint Venture (Canadian properties).*
Keeping pace with change in the industry,Hudson's Bay has increased its digital sales by a substantial 30% as it increasingly invests in online sales.It will also benefit from the synergies generated by its acquisition of Saks Fifth Avenue,which are expected to appear in this quarter.This synergy,coupled with the weakness of the Canadian dollar,should result in better returns through 2016.Hudson's Bay is looking to be a retail momentum story backed by large real estate holdings.*
Hudson's Bay Co (TSX:HBC),(PINX:HBAYF)

From Buybacks To Growth;JC Penney Improves

We're forecasting about a 10% upside for the year-closer to an average return than the past few years,said Savita Subramanian,head of US equity and quantitative strategy at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch.Once we get a better sense of the economy as improving,there's no better place to be than the stock market.The market is actually rewarding the companies that spend on growth,whether through acquisition or capex.Investors want growth,not necessarily buybacks to return cash.
We really want to look at company spoecifics.It's less about picking the right asset class,and more about picking the right stocks.
It just doesn't make sense anymore to buy back stock,when prices have returned to more normal levels.Companies have not been spending on economic growth,but I think that's what we're gonna see this year,Ms.Subramanian projected.
She likes the technology,industrial and energy sectors.*
In the retail sector,it's been a big improvement for JC Penney,according to Chad Green of Sterne Agee.It looks a lot better for them than it did 12 months ago.Their store looks a lot better.It looks like the old JC Penney.
The big question for them is getting their traffic back,clearing through former CEO Don Johnson's mistakes,Mr.Green noted.*
JC Penney(JCP)

Wal-Mart Stores:Focus and Future

Wal-Mart Stores has named Doug McMillon the next CEO of the world's largest retailer,replacing the retiring Mike Duke in January.Arkansas native McMillon,47,had worked his way up from unloading trucks at a warehouse to being head of Wal-Mart's international division as President and CEO of Wal-Mart International.
Mr.McMillon's position is a CEO training program,said analyst David Schisk of Stifel Nicolaus.He's had a taste of different opportunities and challenges.This appointment is very much expected.The CEO of Wal-Mart is essentially a major political job,on top of everything else.*
Wal-Mart needs to have a focus on being the best to their core customer.They don't have to take over the planet for growth's sake.It's a massive company.What we're seeing Wal-Mart and the entire industry focusing on is omnichannel,which is using your mobile phone to help you shop more efficiently.*
I think Wal-Mart is doing a better job of cooperating internationally,rather than competing,adds David Kelly of JP Morgan Asset Management.The working age population is declining in most of the developed world.You've got to be in the emerging markets,and in emerging markets beyond China-in Vietnam and Indonesia.*
Wal-Mart has done just that by acquiring a controlling stake in South African retailer Massmart.Massmart is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.It has about 290 stores in 14 countries,most of them in South Africa.It also manages 8 wholesale and retail chains,including Game;Dion;Makro;Shield;and CCW.
Founded in 1990,Massmart is Africa's third-largest distributor of consumer goods;the leading retailer of general merchandise,liquor and home improvement equipment and supplies;and the leading wholesaler of basic foods.
South Africa is a fast-growing market,but troubled by a high crime rate and unemployment.*
Wal-Mart Stores Inc(WMT),Massmart Holdings Ltd(MSM:SJ)

Warren Buffett and Common Sense in Business

In retail,your competition is always moving,said Berkshire Hathaway CEO and noted billionaire Warren Buffett,referring to JC Penney's current difficulties.
I do not care whether Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger's in the office or not.He's always got Berkshire on his mind.I only talk to him about once a week.
I feel very good about my three children.
Low interest rates could pose a problem for insurance companies down the road.When you roll over bonds,you're getting a lower rate.The profitability is going down because of that.They own a lot of bonds.
Of all my companies,I would keep GEICO because of sentimental reasons.It goes back early in my life.
Airlines have all the ingredients of a bad business.
People can buy a low cost index fund and participate in the future of America and they should forget about it for five years,and they should be fine.You can own index funds for a very low cost and get the same performance as people who charge you a whole lot more.
I think we live in the best country in the world and we will solve our problems.
Buffett represents American industry and American business,according to CNBC's Jim Cramer.The common sense in his annual letter is so much fun.
If Apple don't do anything with their cash,they are becoming the anti-Buffett.He'd rather buy a business than keep cash.He's a thoughtful man for many years.I like him.
Berkshire Hathaway(BRKb)

Luxury Retail:Coach Versus Kors

Luxury goods retailer Coach was severely punished by an earnings miss recently.Although net sales and earnings rose 4% on the year,they fell 2% in the US.The holiday season was challenging for the chain as competition has heated up from the likes of Michael Kors.
Kors is a relatively young enterprise in comparison to the more mature Coach.It has more potential for growth in the developed world.While Coach has more than 800 stores,Kors has only 237.Plus,the American designer's business is more diversified,selling clothing as well as shoes,handbags and accessories.It is better positioned to be a lifestyle brand.
On the other hand,Coach is concentrating on expanding Asian operations at the moment,which is capital intensive.Even so,margins are stable.Once those costs have been absorbed,the company stands to do well from emerging Asia and its upward mobility.
As well,the spending patterns of Asia are different.The Asian stores will prosper more at the Asian New Year season than at Christmas.That means the earnings for Q1 may be enhanced significantly.Wall Street docked Coach stock 15% in a knee jerk way,failing to take this subtlety into account.
In addition,Coach is paying a decent dividend of around 2.3%,while Kors is paying nothng.Coach's run may not be over after all.
Investor sentiment was 98% bullish for Kors on Monday,and neutral for Coach,according to MarketWatch.
Coach Inc(COH),Michael Kors Ltd(KORS)

Asia This Day:Billabong Struggles With Tough Conditions

Australian clothing retailer Billabong has suffered its first fiscal year loss since going public in 2001.The group reported the net loss of 275.6 million dollars,and a revenue decline of 7.6%,on Monday.At the same time,it claimed a net profit ex-items of 33.5 million on global sales of 1.55 billion.
The group had hired Goldman Sachs to analyse its situation.Among its problems were poor sales in Europe and Australia;online competition for its brick and mortar stores;and rising raw materials costs.At its height,it operated about 700 stores worldwide.
CEO Laura Inman said that,at an underlying trading level,the Group remains profitable.As previously flagged to the market,the Group's results have been adversely impacted by various significant and exceptional items.In response,the Group has endeavoured to adopt a conservative position,implementing initiatives that will target both cost savings and revenue growth.
Billabong has sold part of its Nixon accessories brand;closed 58 underperforming stores;and reduced costs.It has also identified a further 82 non-performing stores for closure in FY 13.Cost savings of about 30 million are expected to be realised in 2013 from initiatives implemented in 2012.
The Group intends to simplify its business;leverage its Billabong brand;realise the strategic potential of retail;continue to expand Billabong's global e-commerce platform;and globalise and integrate the supply chain.The current challenging trading conditions are expected to continue in FY 13.
There will be no final dividend for FY 12,and none are expected to be paid for the first half of FY 13.Billabong had sold a 48.5% stake of its Nixon brand to Trilantic Partners,plus a further 3% to management,in order to stabilise its balance sheet and fend off an unsolicited bid by TPG Partners.
Billabong produces and markets sportswear and casual clothing,including surfwear,outerwear and accessories.
Billabong International Ltd(ASX:BBG),Goldman Sachs(GS)

Should You Buy JC Penney Shares

Brian Nagel,CFA,Managing Director at Oppenheimer,said we launched coverage of JC Penney with an outperform rating.Many of the concerns about the company are already priced into the stock.As I look out,I think JC Penney is headed in the right direction.
Over the next few years,I see earnings of 3-5 dollars a share.They're finding a new store format that's gonna resonate with consumers in this environment.Their balance sheet will buy them some time as they do this.We've given the stock a price target of 30 dollars.
The Q2 results,which will be reported on Friday,will be messy.I think this is another transitional quarter as their turnaround begins to take hold,Mr.Nagel added.
Mr.Nagel is a Senior Analyst in Hardlines and Broadlines Retail.He has a BSBA from Creighton University.Oppenheimer is a full line brokerage,investment banking and wealth management firm.
JC Penney(JCP),Oppenheimer(OPY)

JC Penney Career Fair

JC Penney is holding a career fair in Northern Virginia.You are invited to explore career growth opportunities with the new Penney's store in Woodbridge.There are full and part time openings.Flexible hours,benefits and a generous merchandise discount are being offered.The fair will be held on
Thursday,Jan. 5,8am-6pm
Friday,Jan. 6,8am-8pm
Saturday,Jan. 7,8am-6pm at
Spring Hill Suites Potomac Mills
14325 Crossing Place
Woodbridge,VA 22192
You may also apply at www.jcpenneycareerss.com
JC Penney&Y0U...A Perfect Fit
JC Penney(JCP)

Retailers Ramp Up Seasonal Hiring

Macy's continues seasonal hiring at its Tysons Corner,Virginia store and other locations.Apply online at macysJOBS.com or visit the website to find Holiday Hiring Events in your area.
Macy's is hiring 78,000 seasonal workers.That is up 4% from last year.
Macy's:Discover the Magic
JC Penney is also hiring at multiple locations.Apply online at www.jcpenneycareers.com
JC Penney:Every Day Matters

A Costly and Profitable Weekend Ahead

Insurance companies active in the eastern states are bracing for a round of natural fury from Hurricane Irene.As well,parts of the retail sector in the region could suffer from a relatively rare direct hit from this type of storm on the big cities of the northeast,as people shelter in place instead of shopping at malls and department stores or are even evacuated.Ocean City,Maryland and other eastern beach resorts are already evacuating guests and closing to new visitors.It's the first time since Hurricane Gloria in the 1980s that Ocean City was evacuated.
Some stores,however,such as hardware and food retailers,will benefit as citizens augment emergency supplies.One New York City woman bought 100 dollars worth of batteries.Bottled water and milk were other top sellers there.Home Depot ran out of flashlights.Mayor Michael Bloomberg recommended preparing go bags,which contain your medications,important documents and so on,should you face evacuation.
Hospitals are topping off generators with fuel,and citizens are also filling up their tanks,even as refineries may have to close.A spike in gas prices could result.
Home Depot prepositions containers full of disaster-related products at its distribution centers.When needed,they are simply rolled into semis for transport to the affected areas.Disaster operations are directed in consultation with district managers from a war room of sorts,complete with big screen newscast monitors.There are Home Depot staff members who are dedicated to disaster retailing.
Some 200 miles west of Ocean City,along the Blue Ridge Mountains,there was a good deal of rain Saturday evening,but little wind.Power went down several times for an instant,requiring the annoying resetting of digital clocks-except for one with a battery backup.The most striking visual of the day had been the rapidly moving low, dark clouds,showing that there was considerable energy aloft.There weren't any sirens going off,but there was just enough of a touch of weather history to make it an unusual-feeling day.
Home Depot(HD),Lowe's(LOW)

Wal-Mart Tussles With Safeway

The Christmas shopping season isn't just significant for gift sellers;but for grocers as well.Wal-Mart,for instance,thinks it is so important that it took on Safeway in a newspaper circular.Wal-Mart claims that a comparable basket of non-meat/non-produce frequently purchased items is 25% less expensive at their stores than at Safeway's.
Wal-Mart says it compared the average national prices for 244 items at their respective stores every week beginning September 25.Besides this aggressive tactic,Wal-Mart is making a pledge to match any local competitor's price in a printed ad for an identical product.
On the other hand,Safeway offers considerable discounts to holders of its Club Card,which were probably not taken into account by Wal-Mart.The Safeway Club Card is free and is issued upon the filling out of a brief application.
In China,Wal-Mart is opening smaller stores to serve lower income small town and rural residents.
Wal-Mart(WMT),Safeway(SWY)

Macy's Feels Optimistic

Macy's,one of the focal points for tracking holiday sales in the retail sector,is pleased with the season opening and has a positive outlook for the year.CEO Terry Lundgren cited about 7,000 people lined up outside the flagship Herald Square location on Black Friday at 4 am.They're very pleased so far.
Retail analyst Dana Telsey of the Telsey Advisory Group agrees that Macy's did well on Black Friday.It's certainly an encouraging start.
Macy's has had a very good year,Mr.Lundgren added.They opened three Bloomingdale's outlets in Q3.In 2010,they've opened six Macy's stores and closed one.They're making sure there's obvious value to the customer at every price point.
They have a lot more confidence based on the momentum so far this year.Sales are up 4-5%.Mr.Lundgren thinks that bodes well for the industry next year.
CNBC's Jim Cramer considers Macy's to be best in breed among department stores.
Macy's(M)