Quiksilver filed it’s 10K annual report last week.  There’s some interesting information that didn’t make it into the press release or conference call.  Read it here.

Billabong held a conference call to discuss their response to some declining sales numbers.  What are they going to do about it?

Quiksilver’s October 31 Quarter and Year end results.  Sales up 10% for the quarter, but operating earnings decline for both the quarter and year.  What else looks interesting?

PacSun’s loss grew during the quarter, but they got some financing in place and have a plan to accelerate closing of their nonperforming stores.  That’s progress, though it doesn’t address their fundamental strategic issue of needing to be cool.  Here’s my analysis.     

Zumiez had a good quarter.  Nothing like a solid strategy consistently applied.  Here’s a short analysis.

 

 

It’s Trade Show season.  I’ve been to Agenda and have some thoughts about the upcoming SIA show in Denver.

Nau tried more or less what I suggested in my last article.  Apparently, it didn’t work.

Do retailers really need to carry all that inventory?  As the online and brick and mortar, and retail and brand worlds move closer together, maybe not.

Heinz’s New KetchupWould this product even have been introduced if not for social media?

Europe: What’s the chance your Greek receivables will suddenly be in devalued Greek Drachmas?  Think about it. 

We’re going to have a new trade show called LAUNCH LA. I think it’s a good idea.  Here’s why.  

 

Why Do Companies Retain Jeff as a Consultant?

  • They don’t have the time or money to educate the consultant they hire about the industry.
  • They need somebody with a rigorous understanding of the industry who’s not so deep in it that they lack objectivity.
  • They are aware that over 15 plus years, Jeff has correctly spotted many of the emerging trends and has identified effective strategies to respond to them.
  • To help them manage growth and make the inevitable but difficult transition from entrepreneur to manager.
  • To deal with issues of cash flow and capital adequacy either to provide working capital for growth or in a turnaround environment.
  • To develop strategies to respond to inevitably changing market conditions.
  • So they are certain that the questions they are asking are the right ones.

Go here to browse through Jeff’s 15 years of Market Watch columns on these and other issues.

 

JEFF HARBAUGH
President

Office: 206.219.9063
Mobile: 425.698.7564
 jeff@jeffharbaugh.com

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