Berna Barshay on difficult environment for retailers

Retail, as measured by the SPDR S&P Retail Fund (XRT) is the worst performing sector this year, down 32% year to date – even worse than tech, as measured by the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK). Take a look...

It has been the hardest operating environment for retail planners and buyers in the 24 years I have been following this. Between the supply chain clogs – which are still there, rapidly shifting consumer preferences, inflation, a hazy economic outlook, and consumers shifting their purchase timing... it's easy to get tripped up.

So while it is tempting to cast stones at planners for not doing better, and the stocks have been terrible, I think there are incredible bargains to be had not only at the mall later this summer... but right now in the stock market.

~ Berna Barshay, "Explaining the Retailer Inventory Glut," Empire Financial Research, June 22, 2022