It's spring, and Reuters reported that Abercrombie & Fitch
You may recall that Abercrombie finally pulledQuarterly last fall, after loads of outrage. The new magalog -- lacking nude images, interviews with porn stars, and other content not suitable for teens -- suggests that maybe Abercrombie has cleaned up its act, though a recent flap over an insulting tee shows the company hasn't completely learned its lesson.
Of course, the urge to lure teens through controversial tactics is not just the realm of Abercrombie. Urban Outfitters
Meanwhile, today Abercrombie released its March sales numbers, and it was a mixed bag of news. While sales for the month increased 18% year over year to $144.1 million, same-store sales still dipped 1%. Year-to-date sales increased 19% to $290.2 million, but same-store sales for the year remained flat.
Abercrombie said that while its young-teen-focused Hollister brand is racking up healthy sales, and its men's business is improving, its women's apparel is weak, specifically in tops. That's bad news when you consider that shoppers are shopping again, and retailers are gaining the benefit. In recent history, American Eagle Outfitters
Abercrombie's cleaned up its act, and that's something investors have been looking for, considering the company's youthful target demographic. Even though Abercrombie upped its quarterly earnings guidance by a few cents, the continued sluggish signs in its March sales report imply that Abercrombie still has a ways to go before it's a hip investment again.
Do you think Abercrombie's poised for a comeback? Talk to other Fools on the Abercrombie & Fitch discussion board.
Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned.