Retail Industry Overview - U.S. retail sales declined for the second consecutive month in May, falling 0.9% month over month to $715.4 billion, marking the steepest decline since January [1][8] - The decline in retail activity was primarily driven by a 3.5% drop in motor vehicle purchases, alongside notable decreases in building materials (down 2.7%) and gasoline (down 2%) [2][8] - More than half of the 13 major retail categories tracked reported lower sales in May, indicating broader weakness in consumer spending [2] Consumer Sentiment and Economic Factors - Tariff threats and geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting consumer sentiment, suggesting that the earlier spike in sales was a reaction to anticipated economic challenges rather than a sustained spending trend [3] - The current economic uncertainties are prompting a cautious approach among consumers, reflected in the recent retail sales data [3] Investment Opportunities in Retail Stocks - Companies such as Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Outfitters, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Costco are identified as better positioned to navigate shifts in consumer behavior due to their strategic initiatives [3][8] Company-Specific Insights Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) - SFM is focusing on product innovation, competitive pricing, and targeted marketing to expand its customer base and meet evolving consumer preferences [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SFM indicates a projected growth of 13.7% in sales and 35.5% in earnings per share (EPS) for the current financial year [8] Urban Outfitters (URBN) - URBN is leveraging its multi-brand strength and digital reach, with major brands showing momentum across both digital and physical channels [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for URBN suggests growth of 8.5% in sales and 22.2% in EPS for the current financial year [11] BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ) - BJ's Wholesale is focusing on membership growth and digital innovations, enhancing its omnichannel capabilities and customer value [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BJ indicates growth of 5.5% in sales and 6.2% in EPS for the current financial year [12] Costco (COST) - Costco is effectively navigating market fluctuations through strategic investments and a strong emphasis on its membership model [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Costco forecasts growth of 8% in sales and 12% in EPS for the current financial year [14]

Group 1 - Kroger is set to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings on June 20, 2025, with analysts expecting earnings of $1.46 per share and revenue of $45.3 billion, indicating a 12% year-over-year increase in earnings while sales growth remains flat [2] - In FY 2024, Kroger's same-store sales increased by 1.5%, and gross margin improved by 50 basis points to 22.3%, although adjusted EPS fell by 6% [3] - The company has a market capitalization of $44 billion, generated $147 billion in revenue over the last twelve months, and reported $3.8 billion in operating profits and $2.7 billion in net income [4] Group 2 - Historical trends indicate that Kroger's stock has risen 55% of the time after earnings announcements, with a median increase of 5.4% in one day [2][6] - The percentage of positive one-day returns post-earnings increases to 64% when analyzing data from the past three years, with a median of 5.4% for positive returns and -3.0% for negative returns [6][8] - The company plans to mitigate risks from trade tensions and tariffs by diversifying suppliers and optimizing its supply chain, although the recent departure of CEO Rodney McMullen may complicate these efforts [4]

Core Insights - Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) reported a 28% growth in e-commerce sales for Q1 2025, with digital channels now representing 15% of total sales, driven by strong contributions from Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats [1][9] - The sustainability of this growth is questioned, as Q4 2024 saw even higher e-commerce sales growth of approximately 37%, indicating a trend driven by product quality and value rather than price [2] - A new loyalty program set to launch in H2 2025 aims to enhance digital growth through personalization, with early tests showing promising results [3][9] - Management noted that temporary factors, such as a strike at a conventional grocer, boosted sales in Q1, and SFM faces competition from larger retailers enhancing delivery speed and product assortment [4][5] - SFM's stock has performed well, with a year-to-date increase of 24.3%, surpassing the industry growth of 11.5% [8] E-Commerce Performance Comparison - Costco reported a 14.8% increase in e-commerce comparable sales in Q3 2025, supported by initiatives like Costco Logistics, which saw a 31% year-over-year increase in bulky e-commerce deliveries [6] - Walmart experienced a 22% year-over-year increase in global e-commerce sales in Q1 2026, focusing on faster delivery and improved fulfillment [7] Financial Estimates and Valuation - SFM's forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio is 1.68, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.25, indicating a premium valuation [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects SFM's sales and earnings per share to grow by 13.7% and 35.5% year-over-year, respectively [11] - Current estimates for Q2 2025 sales are $2.17 billion, with a year-over-year growth estimate of 14.51% [14] - Earnings per share for Q2 2025 are estimated at $1.23, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 30.85% [15]

Amazon says its annual Prime Day sale is doubling in size this summer.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.The retail giant announced Tuesday (June 17) that the event will stretch over four days instead ...

Company Overview - Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Inc. was founded in 1955 and is a specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements [6] - The company operates 169 stores across 21 states and is headquartered in Lakewood, CO [6] - Natural Grocers is committed to high-quality standards, selling only USDA-certified organic produce and products free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and synthetic colors [6] Hiring Events - Natural Grocers will host a Community Meet & Greet on June 24, 2025, and a two-day Hiring Event on June 25-26, 2025, at the Hotel Ruidoso [1][2] - Positions available include Store Manager ($79K annually), Assistant Store Manager ($59K annually), and various management roles at $18.00 per hour [4] Company Culture & Benefits - The company employs over 4,000 crew members and emphasizes a supportive work environment through its Five Founding Principles [4] - Employees receive competitive pay, including a unique Vitamin Bucks program that offers an extra $1 per hour worked in-store credit [4] - Additional benefits include birthday bonus pay, discounts of up to 30% on products, comprehensive health insurance, a 401K savings plan, and extensive free nutrition education programs [4] Community Commitment - Natural Grocers invests significantly in its employees, with over $15 million allocated for incremental compensation and discretionary payments in fiscal year 2024 [6] - The company promotes a commitment to community and crew, aligning with its founding principles [6]

The Kroger Co. KR will release its first-quarter financial results before the opening bell on Friday, June 20.Analysts expect the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company to report quarterly earnings at $1.46 per share, up from $1.43 per share in the year-ago period. Kroger projects quarterly revenue of $45.31 billion, compared to $45.27 billion a year earlier, according to data from Benzinga Pro.On March 6, the company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.14, beating the street view of $1.11. Qu ...

Back in this day in history, all the way back in 2017. That was when Amazon stunned investors with an almost $14 billion deal to buy Whole Foods. That announcement sent shockwaves across the industry.Shares of grocery chains like Kroger and SUPERVALU plunged as much as 20%. Investors really pondering what a cutthroat price competitor like Amazon would mean for an already cutthroat, low margin world of groceries. Broadline retailers like Target Slid and even real estate companies like PIMCO sold off.Now, whi ...

About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...

Group 1 - The article reflects on the author's positive experiences with the now-defunct online grocery service Webvan, highlighting the convenience of home delivery [1] - The author emphasizes a belief in the efficiency of financial markets, suggesting that most stocks accurately reflect their current value [1] - The best investment opportunities are identified as those in stocks that are less followed by average investors or those that do not accurately represent existing market opportunities [1]

Core Insights - Natural Grocers, founded in 1955, is a specialty retailer of natural and organic groceries, body care products, and dietary supplements, with a commitment to high-quality standards and affordable pricing [5] Group 1: Company Overview - Natural Grocers opened its first store in Arkansas in 2015 and currently operates three locations in Fayetteville, Jonesboro, and Little Rock [1][2] - The company emphasizes its commitment to health, animal welfare, and regenerative agriculture, which resonates with health-conscious consumers [2] - Natural Grocers has a flexible smaller-store format that allows for affordable pricing in a clean and convenient retail environment [5] Group 2: Customer Engagement - The company celebrates National Arkansas Day from June 15-17, 2025, offering freebies and extra savings for {N}power members [2][6] - {N}power is a free customer rewards program that provides exclusive discounts and rewards points for every visit [3] Group 3: Employee Commitment - Natural Grocers employs over 50 crew members in Arkansas and is dedicated to their physical, emotional, and financial well-being through various support programs [4] - In fiscal year 2024, the company invested over $15 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for its crew [5] Group 4: Product Standards - The grocery products sold by Natural Grocers must meet strict quality guidelines, including being free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and synthetic colors [5] - The company exclusively sells USDA-certified organic produce and pasture-raised dairy products [5]