Retail Search Group

JANUARY OVERVIEW
Consumers continue to move ahead in their spending patterns with most retailers posting solid positive comparable store growth. This news is consistent with recent unemployment numbers and contributes to our belief that the overall economy is regaining solid momentum.

HOT RETAIL PERFORMANCES
Department stores typically anchor mall business and showed excellent growth in the January post-Christmas period. Nordstrom delivered stunning 8.7% comparable store growth, with Macys at 6.2% and Saks at 5.8%. The consumer spending spilled out to fashion specialty retailers like Limited Brands +7.0%. The discount apparel sellers like Ross +9.0% and TJX +8.0% also showcased a January to be proud of.

Quarterly releases by Home Depot at +4.2%, Pier 1 at +7.0% and William Sonoma at +7.3% give clear evidence that the consumer is beginning to spend at home-store retailers. Recent quarterly releases in fashion apparel also speak well for that market, with Zumiez at +8.4% and Abercrombie & Fitch at +7.0%. These are numbers to be excited about. As an exception to the rule, Gap continued their spiral at -4.0% for January.

Luxury consumers aren’t being fearful of Congress’ tax plans for the rich as evidenced by Tiffany’s +19.0% results. Ulta posted a dazzling +9.6% increase for the recent quarter.

Even QSR (Quick Serve Restaurant) shows amazing life, with Chipotle posting +11.3% and Starbucks at +9.0%. The consumer hasn’t forgotten their favorites.

UNEMPLOYMENT SCENE
In January, total employment in the United States grew in excess of 200,000 jobs for the second consecutive month. The Labor Department reports 243,000 positions were added in the month and revisions show 203,000 were added in December.

The U.S. unemployment rate fell from 8.5 to 8.3 percent despite an influx of more than 500,000 workers into the civilian labor market. Growth did not appear overly clustered in any specific sector in January, but rather it was spread throughout many sectors.

Actual employment by those with a four-year degree rose by 291,000 in January. The management, professional and related occupations unemployment rate fell year over year from 4.7 percent to 4.3 percent, reflecting near full employment for that group.

EXPAND YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
You can be a resource to others around you if you’re networked with professionals in your field. I can’t imagine being in a leadership role and not being aware of the competition. A good way of watching the market is to get connected to a recruiting professional – they talk with hundreds of retailers every week. You could be one of those who benefit from their industry contacts.

If you’re in a leadership role and responsible for managing the hiring process why wouldn’t you begin to develop a relationship with a quality search provider like Retail Search Group?

Our highly tenured retail team delivers recruiting expertise in the following areas:

• Merchandise Buying and Global Product Development
• Merchandise Planning & Allocation
• Retail Finance & Accounting
• Retail Field Operations
• Human Resources
• Retail Multi-Channel Marketing

Click here for January National Retail Sales Results