Investors To Analyze Retailers’ Holiday Sales Outlooks

Consumers are entering the peak of the holiday shopping season, weary of high prices but eager for bargains.

Investors will be closely watching executives from Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom as they report October-quarter earnings.

Black Friday promotions could spur sales, and investors will be closely watching executives from Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom as they report October-quarter earnings, Janet H. Cho reported for Barron’s Daily.

Analysts predict Macy’s will report an adjusted loss of $2 million, or one cent per share, on $4.72 billion in sales, with same-store sales expected to decline by 2.3%, according to FactSet.

Kohl’s is forecast to report adjusted earnings of 28 cents per share on $3.64 billion in sales, with a 5.1% drop in same-store sales. Nordstrom is expected to report adjusted earnings of 22 cents per share on $3.34 billion in sales, with a 0.7% increase in same-store sales.

Grocers are also rolling out promotions to attract inflation-conscious shoppers.

Kroger advertised a turkey meal for 10 at $4.85 per person, while Aldi priced its Thanksgiving staples basket at $4.70 per person. Amazon Fresh and Target stores are offering Thanksgiving meals for under $5 per person.

The cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10—including turkey and pumpkin pie—is 5% lower than last year, at $58.08, or $5.81 per person, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Prices for turkey, sweet potatoes, frozen peas, and pumpkin pie mix have dropped, while dinner rolls, cranberries, and stuffing have become more expensive.

Elevated grocery and housing costs have caused consumers to cut back on clothing, furniture, and electronics purchases.

Additionally, President-elect Donald Trump’s threat of tougher tariffs could raise retail prices. Retailers’ earnings reports this week may provide insights into how they plan to address potential policy shifts.