What’s trending in Retail
Consumer Discretionary
Each week, The Retail Tracker offers an insightful perspective on retail, fashion and consumer trends and what it means for the stocks. So far this year, Garage is a standout, nailing the “sexy x comfy” aesthetic for teens and taking share from Aerie and Pink. Gap and Old Navy are “crushing it” with consistently strong assortments, offsetting tariff challenges through fewer markdowns. Meanwhile, Urban Outfitters and Nuuly are gaining traction, with Nuuly emerging as a promising rental and tech-driven play. Aritzia is showing good momentum with its best assortment in some time. Department stores may be in free fall, but the best Macy’s stores have never looked better. In contrast, Lululemon is losing its way, expanding beyond its core and diluting its brand identity, while Bath & Body Works' range of new items is exhausting.
Edition: 214
- 27 June, 2025
There are two lanes in retail winning right now - momentum and improvement
Consumer Discretionary
Brands with good momentum include Lululemon, Abercrombie, Chico’s, Steve Madden, LVMH, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Macy’s. According to The Retail Tracker, these retailers are entering the back half of the year with the consumer on their side and good assortments. In the improvement lane, they highlight Gap, Target, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works and Nike. They also like the risk:reward in two currently out of favour names - Williams-Sonoma (a high-quality company, with exceptional brands / leadership) and Victoria's Secret (left for dead / trades at a steep discount).
Edition: 166
- 04 August, 2023
Around the Stores: Providing weekly insights into merchandising, promotions and sales trends…
Consumer Discretionary
Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) - Lacked inventory, energy, and sales help. Heard story after story about disappointed college shoppers.
Torrid Holdings (CURV) - Very under the radar. Website looks amazing with denim balanced with wear to work, dates and dresses.
Ralph Lauren (RL) - Very strong all around. Polo store looks outstanding and the Polo men’s assortments at Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s fantastic. Also found the Lauren sets in apparel and handbags in Macy's significantly improved.
Capri Holdings (CPRI) - Kors has some good new styles that break out of the logo story. Stores are cleaner promotionally than they have been. Versace was still very busy and is trending.
Edition: 144
- 16 September, 2022
Consumer Discretionary
Gordon Haskett Research Advisors
Regaining its mojo - shares surge on Q3 earnings beat / decision to hire AlixPartners to review business. Looking ahead to 2022, Chuck Grom believes Macy’s can strongly build off its successful 2021 campaign, GPM in the high 30’s looks sustainable, and is excited about the launch of a curated 3P digital marketplace. The company’s more concerted effort to unlock value and overall improved margin / capital disciple now warrant a higher multiple than Chuck has been willing to underwrite in the past. He is modelling FY21 EPS of $4.73 (but sees upside well north of $5.00) and FY22 EPS of $4.75. TP $50.00 (55% upside).
Edition: 124
- 26 November, 2021