Things are still looking up at Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters said total holiday sales (aggregating November and December data) increased by 27%, to $356 million. Same-store sales for the period increased by 9%, comprised of a 16% increase at Anthropologie, a 17% increase at Free People, and a 5% increase at Urban Outfitters.
What a difference a year makes, too -- last year, the company's overall comps decreased by 5%, and Free People was the only positive factor, with a modest gain.
In addition, the retailer's direct-to-consumer segment enjoyed a 39% increase in sales, and Free People's wholesale sales surged 46%.
Urban Outfitters has risen to the challenges it faced last year and seems to be getting back on track. Even with the possibility of a recession, strong retailers don't have very much to fear, and I'd count Urban Outfitters as one of those, with its three distinctive concepts -- and another on the way.
Meanwhile, given the macro environment in retail, investors are nervous about many retail names. For a long time Target
Investors are weighing retailers carefully in this environment, as they should. Will recent winners, including Abercrombie & Fitch
I feel confident about Urban Outfitters for the long term. Between its differentiated concepts and its excellent, merchandise-minded management team, it will weather any storm well. In fact, it already has.
Shop around for related Foolishness:
- Last quarter, Urban Outfitters returned.