November tough at retail, though discounts helped

November same-store were pretty grim across the board – except for The Buckle. In addition to the dip in consumer spending, results were negatively impacted by one less week of post Thanksgiving holiday shopping in November this year vs. 2007.

PacSun

The company was “pleased” with results over Thanksgiving weekend, with comp sales rising 2 percent during those three days. The increase appeared to be driven by discounts, with the average transaction value down 20 percent.

Nov. same-store sales: down 10 percent
 

Average number of transactions: up low double digits

Average transaction value: down 20 percent

Apparel comps: up 3 percent

Juniors apparel: up 13 percent, led by Bullhead denim, tops

Young men’s apparel: down 6 percent. Knits and Bullhead denim strong, T’s and fleece weak

Footwear: down 72 percent. The company will be out of footwear business by year-end.

Accessories: down 44 percent.

Regions: same-store sales down in all regions except Midwest, where same-store sales were up low single digits.

Zumiez

Nov. same-store sales: down 15 percent

Number of transactions: down (the company does not provide actual figures)

Avg. unit retail: down

Strong categories: footwear

Weak categories: men’s, juniors, and boys apparel; hardgoods; accessories.

Regions: Stores west of Texas were down in the low 20’s, which accounts for 52 percent of Zumiez comp store base.

The Buckle

The Buckle continues to operate in an alternate universe compared most other retailers these days.

Nov. same-stores sales: up 15 percent

Total women’s sales: up 28 percent, led by denim, knit tops, sweaters, outerwear, accessories and footwear.

Total men’s sales: up 15 percent, led by denim, woven and knit shirts and outerwear.

Accessories: up 36.5 percent

Footwear: up 15.5 percent

Macy’s

The company said it had a strong Thanksgiving weekend and that same-stores sales were in line with guidance given the calendar shift.

Nov. same-store sales: down 13.3 percent

Nordstrom

Nov. same-store sales: down 15.9 percent

Strong categories: Contemporary women’s apparel, junior’s apparel, cosmetics

Best region: South

Abercrombie & Fitch

The company’s decision not to discount continues to hurt the top line. It will be interesting to see, however, how its margins compare with other retailers at the end of the fourth quarter.

Nov. total company same-store sales: down 28 percent

Hollister same-store sales: down 29 percent