Tonya Garcia

What meteorologists have to say about retailers’ ‘bad weather’ excuse Retailers have to get used to strange weatherMeteorologists suggest that retailers change their inventory approach to account for abnormal weather

Abercrombie & Fitch expected to benefit from overlap with bankrupt teen retailers Hollister can pick up share from bankrupt Aéropostale, Pacific SunwearKeyBanc Capital Markets believes the overlap that Abercrombie & Fitch and Zumiez have with bankrupt teen retailers Aéropostale and Pacific Sunwear puts them in a good position.

General Mills recalls flour products on E. coli concernGeneral Mills Inc. said Tuesday that it has issued a voluntary recall of Gold Medal flour, Wondra flour, and Signature Kitchens flour over concerns of E. coli contamination. General Mills said it is working with health officials, who have been researching 38 instances of illnesses across 20 states between Dec. 21, 2015 and May 3, 2016. All are related to a particular strain of E. coli. In its investigation, the Centers for Disease Control found that about half the people who reported illnesses made something with flour before falling ill, and some reported using General Mills flour. So far, no E.coli has been found in any General Mills flour products or in manufacuring facilities, nor has the company been contacted by consumers reporting illness. Some also reported eating raw dough or batter. Consumers are warned against consuming products containing raw flour. General Mills shares are down 0.2% in Tuesday trading, but up 11.8% for the past year. The S&P 500 is down 0.5% for the past 12 months.

Michael Strahan wants to do for jogging pants what Lululemon did for yoga pants The biggest fashion trend of the moment is taking over the men’s departmentTraditionally for women, more apparel retailers are producing athleisure trend for men

Nordstrom stores are scrapping Michael Kors handbags Sources tell analysts that Michael Kors handbags are the most returned brandWedbush analysts spoke with Nordstrom handbag managers and found that many are eliminating their Michael Kors handbag merchandise.

SodaStream shares surge after company launches home beer systemSodaStream International Ltd. shares surged 10.1% in Tuesday premarket trading after the sparkling water maker announced the release of a home beer system late Monday. The system will launch in Europe first, and is currently available on Germany's online store and at retailers in Switzerland. Other markets will launch in 2016 and 2017. The Beer Bar will allow users to make home-crafted beer "in seconds" using sparkling water and a beer concentrate. The beer system launched with a light beer, Blondie, that has 4.5% alcohol by volume, a level commonly found in other beer brands. SodaStream shares are down 7.9% for the past year, but up 19.7% for the year to date. The S&P 500 is up 2.7% for the year so far.

Signet Jewelers’ stock defies Goldman Sachs downgrade Other banks believe the company is in a good position against a rocky retail backdropSignet Jewelers was downgraded at Goldman Sachs, but other banks are more bullish about the company’s prospects

Whole Foods could steal its own business with new 365 stores Traditional Whole Foods stores will probably feel the impact of the new chain Credit Suisse analysts said in a Friday note that cannibalization is likely between traditional Whole Foods stores and the new 365 markets.

Why Costco shareholders shouldn’t fear the transition to Visa from Amex Analysts believe the move will build on recent positive resultsMany analysts believe Costco’s June 20 shift to a Visa credit card will further boost the company’s positive results.

Signet Jewelers downgraded at Goldman Sachs on same-store sales concernsSignet Jewelers Ltd. was downgraded to neutral from buy at Goldman Sachs on concerns about the retailer's same-store sales deceleration in April and May. Goldman has taken Signet off of its conviction list after a "disappointing" first-quarter results that included a sales miss. Signet's brands include Kay Jewelers, Zales and Jared. The "puzzling" same-store sales deceleration happened despite product and marketing efforts that the bank's analysts called "successful." "While the broader retail environment has been weak, Signet Jewelers is relatively insulated from pressures like e-commerce adoption and mall traffic declines because of category exposure," the bank wrote in a Friday note. "Moreover, Jared's comp deceleration comes even though its stores are off-mall." The bank still sees opportunities in the long-term, but says it now prefers to "wait on the sidelines until clarity on comps improves." Signet Jewelers shares are up 2% in Friday trading, but down 20.1% for the year so far. The S&P 500 is up 2.5% for the year to date.

Lowe's increases dividend 25%Lowe's Cos. announced on Friday at its annual shareholders meeting that it is raising its dividend 25% to 35 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Aug. 3, 2016 to shareholders of record as of July 20, 2016. The company says it has declared a cash dividend ever year since going public in 1961. The company also said two directors retired from the board, having reached the mandatory retirement age of 72: David Bernauer and Richard Lochridge. Lowe's shares are up 0.3% in Friday trading, and 13.7% for the past year. The S&P 500 is down 1.4% for the last 12 months.

Target executives say bathroom policy did not hurt traffic in first quarter Target said slowing “fill-in trips” had an impact on trafficTarget executives told analysts at Cowen & Co. that the company’s bathroom policy is not the reason for traffic softness in stores.

Williams-Sonoma tops targets but faces intensifying competition, analysts say Retailers from Wayfair to Target are getting in on the home-goods actionWilliams-Sonoma beat first-quarter estimates, but the shift to e-commerce and growing competition are factors that concern analysts.

The Sports Authority gift cards will expire on June 28The Sports Authority said Thursday that June 28 is the deadline for customers to use their store gift cards. The sporting goods company, which is going through a liquidation process that will shut all of its stores by the end of August, is no longer selling gift cards. Wednesday was the deadline for customers to take advantage of customer loyalty rewards and use their Sports Authority credit cards. The loyalty program has now been terminated, and credit cards are no longer valid payment forms. Warranties are still in effect, and Sports Authority said Asurion will continue to honor extended warranties without interruption. Exchanges and returns can be made to Sports Authority stores through June 25.

Wendy's names Todd Penegor CEOThe Wendy's Company said Thursday that it has named Todd Penegor chief executive officer in addition to his role as president of the company. Penegor succeeds Emil Brolick, who announced his retirement in October 2015. He will continue to serve on the board of directors, pending approval at Thursday's annual shareholder meeting. Penegor has been chief financial officer since 2013, a role that transitioned to Gunther Plosch, who joined the company earlier this month. Finally, Bob Wright has been named chief operations officer for Wendy's international division, effective May 30. Wendy's shares are inactive in premarket trading, but down 3.7% for the year so far. The S&P 500 is down 2.3% for the year to date.

Chico's shares drop after earnings miss estimatesChico's FAS Inc. [s:chs] shares sank 4.9% in Thursday premarket trading after the fashion retailer announced first-quarter earnings that missed estimates. Chico's, whose brands include the namesake clothing line, White House Black Market, and the Soma lingerie line, said it had net income of $31.3 million, or 23 cents per share, compared with $32.5 million, or 22 cents per share for the same period last year. Adjusted earnings were 25 cents per share, below the 31 cents per share FactSet consensus. Revenue totaled $643 million, down from $697.8 million last year and below the $669 million FactSet consensus. Same-store sales decreased 4.2% for the quarter. The company said it is taking cost-cutting actions that will improve its supply chain and other areas of the business, generating between $50 million and $70 million in annual savings. This is in addition to previously announced cuts to marketing and digital commerce actions expected to generate $14 million in annual savings. Chico's shares are down 35.1% for the past year while the S&P 500 is fell 0.7% for the same period.

What to watch for in Costco earnings The retailer revealed problems with the switch to Visa, but analysts are optimisticDespite issues with the credit card transition to Visa from American Express, analysts are bullish about Costco in the long term.

H&M's next designer collaboration will be with KenzoFast-fashion retailer H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB announced Wednesday that its next designer collaboration will be with Paris fashion house Kenzo. Kenzo X H&M will launch in select global locations and online on November 3. Kenzo's creative directors are Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, founders of the global retail and e-commerce chain Opening Ceremony, known for selling merchandise from emerging brands and its collaborations with brands like Rodarte and Topshop. H&M's last designer collaboration, with the fashion house Balmain, was a popular line that prominently featured supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid in its advertising campaigns. H&M shares are down 25% for the past year while the S&P 500 is down 1.8% for the same period.

Starbucks launches mobile app in JapanStarbucks Corp. said Wednesday that it has launched its mobile app in Japan, the company's fourth largest market. Starbucks has 1,100 stores in Japan. The app brings the company's mobile payment and eGifting services to the country. Starbucks shares are down 0.8% in premarket trading, and down 7.7% for the year so far. The S&P 500 is up 1.6% for the year to date.

Amazon launching two new fulfillment centers in CaliforniaAmazon.com Inc. said Wednesday that it will launch two new California fulfillment centers in Tracy and Eastvale, increasing the company's presence in the state to nine fulfillment centers. The new facilities will create 1,500 jobs, bringing the number of California associates to about 14,000. Both new facilities will be about one million square feet. Amazon shares are up 0.3% in premarket trading, and 64.7% for the past year. The S&P 500 is down 2.4% for the last 12 months.

Can Dick’s Sporting Goods hang on to its current lead over Amazon? Analysts believe Dick’s Sporting Goods is setting up for a positive 2017Analysts say Dick’s Sporting Goods’ leadership position in the sporting goods arena could survive in the long term if the company takes certain steps.

Under Armour signs record deal with UCLA: L.A. TimesUnder Armour Inc. has signed a 15-year, $280 million contract with UCLA, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing university officials. UCLA will receive $15 million up front, then receive about $11 million each year in rights and marketing fees, the report says. The deal is expected to be announced at noon Tuesday. UCLA has a contract with Adidas that's set to expire next year. The brand has a 10-year, $90 million deal with Notre Dame, signed in 2014. Under Armour shares are up 2.5% in Tuesday trading, but down 8.2% for the year so far. The S&P 500 is up 1.5% for the year to date.

Best Buy shares sink after weak guidanceBest Buy Co. Inc. shares dropped 6.1% in Tuesday premarket trading, after the electronics retailer said it sees second-quarter earnings below consensus. The company reported first-quarter net income of $229 million, or 70 cents per share, up from $129 million, or 36 cents per share, for the same period last year. Adjusted earnings per share were 44 cents, exceeding the FactSet consensus of 35 cents. Revenue totaled $8.44 billion, down from $8.56 billion last year but exceeding the FactSet consensus of $8.29 billion. Domestic same-store sales were flat, above the guidance of a 1% to 2% decline, driven by year-over-year sales growth in health and wearables, home theater and appliances. The growth was offset by softness in mobile phones and tablets, said Chief Executive Hubert Joly in a statement. Best Buy sees second-quarter revenue between $8.35 billion and $8.45 billion, above the $8.31 billion FactSet consensus, and second-quarter adjusted EPS between 38 cents and 42 cents, below the 50 cents per share FactSet consensus. The company reaffirmed its previous full-year outlook for approximately flat revenue because the first quarter only represents 15% of full-year earnings "and at this stage we have no new material information as it relates to product launches throughout the year," said Joly. Best Buy shares are up 8.4% for the year so far, but down 3.9% for the past year. The S&P 500 is up 0.2% for the year to date.

Big Lots downgraded at Deutsche Bank on Wal-Mart threat Wal-Mart’s positive earnings report raises the level of competition across low-price retailersBig Lots, and other low-price retailers, are facing stiff competition, especially from retail giant Wal-Mart.

Big Lots downgraded at Deutsche Bank on margin pressure concernsBig Lots Inc. shares are down 1.4% in Monday trading after the low-priced retailer was downgraded to hold from buy at Deutsche Bank. Bank analysts have concerns that margin pressure will come from a few directions, including wage inflation and increased online promotions or free shipping to gain consumer attention. The bank also believes the retailer will have trouble reaching the 2.2% same-store sales increase forecast for the first quarter, which the company will report on Friday. Deutsche Bank lowered the price target to $47 from $49. While Deutsche Bank analysts believe Big Lots has made gains from furniture financing, better merchandising and marketing, and other improvements, the retailer is facing increased competition, including from Wal-Mart Stores Inc. which reported earnings that beat estimates on Thursday and gave an upbeat outlook. The retail giant also plans to make major price investments. The Wal-Mart threat impacts other retailers in the low-priced space, like Dollar General Corp and Dollar Tree Inc. , Deutsche Bank wrote. "We also believe the core dollar store shopper is healthy today, with spend driven by employment & wage gains and less impacted/swayed by market volatility and political fear-mongering," the note said. Big Lots shares are up 11.4% for the year so far while the S&P 500 is up 0.5% for the same period.

Abercrombie & Fitch names two new brands presidentsAbercrombie & Fitch Co. said Monday that it has named two new brand presidents. Stacia Andersen will lead the namesake Abercrombie & Fitch brand, along with Abercrombie Kids, responsible for all product and consumer-facing activities. She was recently the senior vice president of merchandising for Target Corp. [a: tgt]. She replaces Christos Angelides, who left the position in December 2015. Kristin Scott has been appointed brand president for Hollister. She comes from Victoria's Secret where she was executive vice president. Fran Horowitz, now the company's president and chief merchandising officer, was the previous Hollister brand president. She was named to her current role in December 2015. Abercrombie shares are inactive in premarket trading, but up 17.3% in the past year. The S&P 500 is down 3.5% for the last 12 months.

Since no one is buying clothes, here’s what stores are selling instead Urban Outfitters and J.C. Penney among the retailers with plans to focus on home goodsRetailers from Urban Outfitters to Target are directing their attention to home goods in the face of declining apparel sales.

Victoria’s Secret kills off its famous catalog Analysts and executives say changes are for the bestL Brands is putting a number of changes in place, including discontinuing the Victoria’s Secret catalog and swim lines.