Retailers Post Disappointing November Sales

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

That Bush recovery keeps chugging along

By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK - The outlook for the holiday season dimmed Thursday as the nation's retailers reported disappointing sales for November following an uninspiring Thanksgiving weekend.


As merchants released their first solid results for the start of holiday shopping, downbeat reports came from across the sector, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Limited Brands, Federated Department Stores Inc., and Gap Inc. Even upscale retailers Nordstrom Inc. and Neiman Marcus Group Inc., which have consistently surpassed Wall Street's projections, fell short of estimates although they still had strong gains.


Among the exceptions were J.C. Penney Co. Inc. and Sears, Roebuck and Co., which beat Wall Street forecasts. Their business got a boost from strong sales over the Thanksgiving weekend, as these stores successfully wooed customers with bigger discounts than a year ago.


Another bright spot was teen retailing, particularly American Eagle Outfitters Inc., whose sales soared past analyst estimates. But overall, the industry struggled last month.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=530&e=2&u=/ap/20041202/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/economy

[cincinnati_liberal]

1. Let Them All Rot In Hell

Let those scum sucking corporate shits have what for. I say boycott Christmas the way the Ukrainians are boycotting work. Let them all suffer. It's not like the jobs aren't leaving anyway. Ohio has now lost over 300,000 jobs since Bush took office. Mostly because of scum like Wal-mart and the rest of these thieves. Save up for guns and napalm.

[cliss]

4. Hi, Cin.

Welcome to the DU! :smoke:

I agree with you. This year, we're doing something about the corporate machinery: we're refusing to participate this year.
:cheers:

[Chipper Chat]

17. "What if they gave a christmas shopping season...

........................and nobody came"

[Lone_Star_Dem]

12. Welcome to DU

:hi:

[mom cat]

2. Bush was right! The economy HAS turned the corner! n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Hold it... Neiman Marcos and Nordstroms

did not do well?

The economy is doing far worst than we thought.

[LSparkle]

7. They did worse than they were EXPECTING

because those excess-peddlers were thinking GREEDILY! They probably didn't do too badly -- just not enough (but for them, it's NEVER enough).

[Lone_Star_Dem]

14. That's is what it says

However, if they still don't meet their projections in Dec it will be telling indeed. These are the haunts of the wealthy, if they aren't spending no one is. Well, not me anyway, I am too poor this year.

[NJ_Lib]

9. I guess even the rich folks...

...are getting tired of spending $160.00 for a T-shirt...

[NC_Nurse]

5. My heart pummps peanut butter

for Walmart and the Walton kids...:nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity: :nopity:

[jimshoes]

6. Shocking...

I'm practically bankrupt and so are a lot of folks, what do they expect.

[LSparkle]

8. ditto

only homemade gifts this year from me!

[NJ_Lib]

10. Everybody's gettin' homemade cookies...

... and they better like it...!

[Chipper Chat]

18. Sweet & friendly Comcast Cable just raised my monthly cable

bill by $7.00. Geez...there goes another relative whacked off my gift list.

[alcuno]

11. They keep playing the same song over and over.

First the media does the big build up to the shopping season and we hear outrageous forecasts. Then, they all express surprise when it doesn't pan out.

[noordinaryspider]

13. Thank you for posting!!!!!

I'm doing the full-blown boycott this year, not even taking the tree and ornaments out of the closet, but my resolve was faltering a bit over the past few days.

We couldn't have afforded it even if there wasn't a boycott; the boycott just gets rid of the self pity and gives my little boy a reason for the season instead of a guilt trip to lay on me forever.

So we were weakening...maybe we should get a $5 bargain bin discount video game for Sis and a $2 thrift store book for Uncle Bob if we don't buy any soda or fresh fruit this week...

I can't wait to show my little boy this article and let him know that we (he) IS making a difference and it DOES matter and our attitude should be one of supporting those folks in higher income tax brackets who are making the real sacrifices this year.

[girl gone mad]

21. I don't mean to criticize you..

I'm boycotting the big chains and any stores that donate Republican this year. I'm also on a restricted budget. Butm I think you should skip the soda and buy your kids something for Christmas. It doesn't even have to be for Christmas, specifically - just a little token of appreciation. As much as kids might be able to understand the rationale behind why they aren't getting Christmas presents, I think they still might feel heartbroken.

[arikara]

23. It sounds tough for you and your little boy this year

I'm all for boycotting the greedy corporations and am making everything this year myself. I don't know what its like where you live, but the food bank here gives a nice hamper and they make sure that every kid gets a present. There should be an agency around you that can help. Just to make sure that your little guy doesnt' go without.

[cliss]

25. Hugs to you

I'm also torn about Xmas. I fully support our boycott here at the DU. It'll be a cold day in hell before I set foot in a department store this month.

We were, however, going to buy thru Amazon, Ebay and other nice places where you can circumvent the Corporate Machinery.

I still hope you have nice holiday!:smoke:

[girl gone mad]

28. Also, I've got some children's books..

I would be happy to send you for the price of postage. Used, but they are in good condition. PM me if you would be interested, and let me know your son's age. Media Mail (book rate postage through USPS) is pretty inexpensive.

[ricfl]

15. we can all try and support the small local businesses.

or support our local artists.....I stay away from the mall and try to get all my groceries at farm stands or food co-ops.

[bhikkhu]

19. Thanks and Welcome!

I think this is the most important thing caring people can do in the current circumstances. Our absence from the corporate marketplace is our most effective protest.

[flaminbats]

16. a 27% National Sales tax can increase purchasing..

I can see it now..economic recovery fueled by unbound inflation and overpriced capital resources.

[Erika]

20. Costco Did Fine!

I couldn't see the info in this article but have read it elsewhere. I, and many others have switched to Costco because it backs progressives. Maybe we're making a dent!

Our property taxes went up $300 starting 01/01/05. Our water bill is going up 22%. Everything is getting more expensive. It's just Bush BS that inflation is low.

Where's the money for Xmas shopping? It's not there. Our family is getting with the program and will have a giftless holiday.

[girl gone mad]

22. I googled it..

"Wholesale clubs were winners. Costco (COST: Research, Estimates) reported Wednesday same-store sales rose 11 percent in December, beating analysts estimates of a 9.5 percent rise..."

http://money.cnn.com/2004/01/08/news/companies/december_sales/


I would be curious to know if the boycott is at all responsible for the numbers. I know I finally convonced my husband to stop going to Sam's a couple months ago (we haven't shopped at Wal-Mart in years). We go to Costco now to fill prescripitions and buy bulk, even though it's about twice as far away.

[Erika]

24. Thanks for the link!

Our drive is also further but it's been worth it financially and it makes me feel better knowing I'm not paying into Republican coffers. Much better.

[Nigel_Tufnel]

26. i wouldn't be buying anything this year

if i didn't have a six year old who still believes in Santa! i don't feel very festive...

i've been shopping for months at flea markets, and the few things i can't get there will come from small local merchants.

i mostly use the underground economy - thrift stores and flea markets

[Erika]

27. That's Great!

You can find better buys and more creative gifts by doing such. I'm using Costco for our necessary needs.