The Higgins Report: What the Job Numbers Mean for Retail

September 8, 2022September 9, 2022 Joe Higgins economy, Higgins Report, job numbers

The data portends a slowing economy but continued strength for stores

What Goes Up: Following several quarters of accelerated sales, home goods bellwether Conn’s, with over 170 stores across 15 states, said a 13% decline in furniture and mattress revenue and a 25% decline in appliance sell-through contributed to an operating loss of $20 million within its retail segment for the three months ended April 30. Conns Inc.

Short Circuited: Best Buy’s sales and profits continued to deteriorate in the first quarter amid what the company described as an electronics recession, although it anticipates a rebound later this year or in 2024. StarTribune

If You Can’t Beat ’Em: Amazon said its independent sellers — which include ProSource members Abt Electronics, Walts TV and World Wide Stereo — collectively sold more than 4.1 billion products through its site last year, averaging more than $230,000 in sales. Amazon Small Business Empowerment Report