Several large industry retail customers reported holiday results Monday, and the news was good all the way around.
One of the more positive trends that has emerged is that shoppers are returning to stores in force.
Tilly’s
Tilly’s raised its Q4 guidance after comparable sales increased 14.1% during November and December combined.
Store sales jumped 23.2%, and all but one of the company’s 14 geographic regions reported double digit increases in brick-and-mortar sales.
E-commerce sales declined 5.7% vs. 2020 levels, and accounted for 25.5% of total sales. While online sales softened compared to last year, they increased 57.4% vs. 2019.
As a result of the strong holiday sales, Tilly’s is expecting to post its most profitable Q4 since becoming a public company and its most profitable year ever in the company’s history.
Zumiez
Zumiez holiday net sales jumped 9% vs. 2020 and 6.6% vs. 2019.
North America sales increased 5% and Europe and Australia sales combined rose 44.5% in constant currency.
This year, holiday shopping patterns looked more like pre-pandemic seasons with volume focused around peak period and shoppers returning to stores, the company said.
The men’s category posted the best results followed by footwear, accessories and women’s.
Hardgoods, which is up against tough comparisons, was the only negative category.
Zumiez reiterated its guidance of full year net sales growth of just over 20%. The company also said it expected sales trends to slow in January without the benefit of stimulus this year and because of ongoing COVID issues.
Journeys and Schuh
Industry footwear retailer Journeys reported an 8% increase in sales quarter to date through Dec. 25.
UK sister footwear chain Schuh saw a 28% increase in holiday sales.
Parent company Genesco said traffic has remained healthy in January but sales have moderated due to lean inventories. The company expects to restock during the month, and reaffirmed its Q4 guidance.
