The Current Health of Discretionary Brick and Mortar Retailing in One Chart

The following chart shows the combined annual nominal sales growth of department stores, general merchandise stores, electronics and appliance stores, clothing and clothing accessory stores, and sporting goods, hobby, book, and music stores. I have limited it to the kinds of things one might give as discretionary gifts during the upcoming holiday season.


Click to enlarge.

As seen in the following article, rumors of brick and mortar demise are greatly underexaggerated. Not currently keeping up with inflation. Not currently keeping up with population growth. Not even flat lining. No, sir. Definitely in the red by more than 2% right now. One might even use the word deteriorating.

October 17, 2016
Nasdaq: Retail Sales Up: Is the Economy Ready for a Rate Hike?

Though the economy might be dealing with various micro and macro issues, an increase in retail sales definitely holds good for both brick & mortar and online retailers, which are bracing up for the busiest part of the year. With the advent of the holiday season, the retail sector will hog all the attention. So, it will be prudent to shift your focus to retail stocks that still hold promise.

The process of delving into the black abyss is to me the keenest form of fascination. - H. P. Lovecraft