Because quarterly results, same store sales, and earnings forecast reports will be in the spotlight, some of the recent news about this week's reporting retailers will be under reported by the media. Here are the top eight news items that are most likely to get buried under retail numbers headlines.
Sears Pimping Out Its Value Brands? (SHLD)
Ace Hardware will be selling Craftsman tools, franchisees will be operating Sears Auto Centers in empty auto dealerships, the Diehard brand has been licensed to a battery accessories manufacturer, and reportedly Sears is actively seeking retailers to sell Kenmore appliances.
The company takes the position that this new brand strategy will help grow the business. But after the announcement last week about eight Sears store closings, it's hard to not wonder if the company is finding a home for its most profitable brands because its long-term plan is to greatly reduce the number of Sears store doors that it can't seem to get customers to walk through any more. Is Sears extending its retail reach or creating its own competition? Building its brand exposure or pimping its products?
Medical Benefits Out, Madonna and Martha In at Macy's (M)
There is an unconfirmed rumor that Macy's will be cutting jobs and eliminating the health benefits of some full-time employees... more >>
