Retail Roundtable in Boston

Shelley Forrester does quite a lot of surveying consumers as does Craig Johnson. They discussed the new definition of value as everyone is trading down on something and more money being spent on the home. A definition that does not know how to cook but yet is making the transition from eating out as often. Branded product is making a comeback yet private brands also winning especially some moving up the quality chain. Stores making better inventory controls and better replenishment helping turns. Spoke of TJ Maxx overcoming poor curb appeal and taking advantage of new MFO sourcing (made for outlet) there buying strength takes advantage of longer runs(paying vendors to make more of brand name product) and similar strategies to keep getting enough product. Finally travel experience getting more and more unpleasant time, money and energy demands getting worse not better a longer range down cycle. Are missy stores seeing turn around. Craig watching trend closely.