, Columnist
Walmart’s Win Doesn’t Mean Retailers Can Relax
The retailer’s upgraded forecast shows it’s possible to tempt shoppers to open their wallets right now — it’s just not easy.
A cartload of deals.
Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
Walmart Inc., TJX Cos Inc. and Lowes Cos. each upgraded their forecasts this week; Home Depot Inc. returned to sales growth. All the good news means the retail sector is doing fine, right?
Not exactly. So far, the second-quarter earnings season is painting a picture of an environment where it’s possible for retailers to succeed — but only if they’re delivering excellent value for money (or at least a product so good that consumers don’t mind paying a premium).