Retail’s Silver Lining: Leaner Inventories

Amid retailers’ modest fourth-quarter results and muted projections for 2016, here’s a silver lining. Those 40 percent off promotions that whacked much of the industry’s bottom line over the holidays helped many retailers clear through excess inventory, positioning them for a more profitable spring. Though numerous challenges remain for the sector, which is battling against apparel price deflation and a shift away from spending on traditional categories, some analysts are optimistic that these lean product levels and an infusion of new merchandise will spur more profitable sales in March and April. Read more at CNBC.