If you listen to the interpretation of the health of the U.S. economy described by each of the major party nominees for President you would hear two diverging representations of the current economic situation. The truth is that both have occurred depending on who you are and the way you look at your situation. This is clearly represented in the current economic environment which shows that job growth is climbing, while spending in the retail space is fading, especially at department stores.
Retail Sales Were Flat
Investors received a new piece of the puzzle this week. The Commerce Department reported that U.S. retail sales were flat in July, which was worse than expected and overall, considered a disappointing report.
Sales Are Soft but Stocks Are Hot
Despite the drop in retail sales, which is a national report, the stock prices of some high end retailers such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, soared leading into and post their financial results. Macy’s soared by approximately 17%, on news that losses were not as bad as expected. Sales slump 4%, but the retailer gave investors hope, announcing the close of 100 full line stores, and using the savings to increase their online presence.
Same Store Sales Are Softening
While the national retail sales figure was soft, declines in specific individual same store sales describes a consumer that is becoming less active, especially at a department store. It’s too easy to purchase goods online, and online returns have become second nature, making the trek to the department store an occasional activity or one of necessity.
Macy’s reported that it comparable sales dropped 2% in the latest quarter which were better than the 4.6% drop expected by analysts. JC Penny’s same store sales missed expectations, climbing 2.2%, compared to estimates of 2.4%. Kohls also reported that is same store sales were down by 1.8%.
While Jobs Are Strengthening, Spending is Moderating
The recent economic data can be interpreted to show that consumers are spending money at a declining rate, despite continued evidence that job growth is increasing. At the beginning of August the Labor Department reported that job growth increased by a robust 255K, and wages increased more than expected. The data also tells us that department stores might be a declining breed especially if the market rewards a company for selling stores to invest in their online business.