A ‘Rocky’ Fall Season Lies Ahead For Retailers, Cowen Says

Cowen analysts led by Oliver Chen said the retail industry was in for a “rocky” fall this year given opposing forces that could affect consumer spending. Retail could be weighed down by slow back-to-school sales, shipping costs, continued weakness in the apparel sector and lack of continued economic stimulus, according to a report emailed Thursday. At the same time, some retailers, especially Target and Walmart, could benefit from shopping trip consolidation, customer acquisition, low prices, and accelerated sales in home goods and grocery, according to the analysts. They also see a holiday season that starts earlier and lasts longer. Read more at Retail Dive.