July 2011 National Retail Sales Results
Some analysts are calling July Nationwide Retail Results "mixed" in nature. A closer look reveals that 75-80% of the retail market continued to show positive comparable store numbers. For a small percentage of retailers poor sales results for July should serve as a wake-up call. The consumer is not excited about your mix of goods or pricing strategy, or both.
High-End Highs
High-end retail continues to sizzle, with Saks putting up a 15.6% comp store performance. In good company are Macy's at 5.5% and Neiman's at 7.7% growth for July. Mercedes Benz advised that July 2011 was one of their biggest volume months of the year.
The Mainstream
Discount retailers like Costco and BJ's continue to dominate their spaces. Costco delivered 10% growth while BJ's came forward with a 9.2% comp store growth in July. Even Wet Seal generated a 7.7% increase with the young, fashion-conscious consumer. The consumer is out there shopping.
Some Fall Short
Kohl's comp stores fell 4.6% while Target posted a 4.1% increase for the same period. Compare how these two retailers transitioned customer assortments and the performance comparison becomes understandable.
Slowly Getting Better
Despite the lack of action by our administration, the unemployment picture continues to improve, though slowly. College educated unemployment slipped to 4.3% in July and overall unemployment fell slightly, to 9.1%.
The Candidate Market
Top grading has returned as companies seek to push their performance to the next level. Recessions encourage mediocre performers to preserve their jobs. But now, sales growth is on the table and it takes the best performers to deliver those extra margin points and sales increases.
During the interview process it's essential to find out if the candidate is considering another opportunity. Most are. This means that your interview process cannot drag on for weeks. Delayed decision-making on candidates opens the door to competition or worse, loosing a top candidate to your competition.
Our highly tenured retail team delivers recruiting expertise in the following areas. Calling them is the first step toward reaching your goals.
o Retail Field Operations
o Retail Finance & Accounting
o Buying and Global Product Development
o Human Resources
o Retail Multi-Channel Marketing
o Merchandise Planning & Allocation
o Visual Presentation
o Distribution Services
Click here for July National Retail Sales Results
