Key Takeaways The article spotlights five apparel and shoe stocks with strong short-term upside as Black Friday approaches.Consumer caution and shifting toward value purchases frame the tough scenario for apparel and shoes industry.CROX, ONON, RL, KTB and BOOT show improving earnings estimates signaling potential near-term growth.The holiday sales season for 2025-26 has commenced in the United States, and this week will be the most important. This Thursday and Friday are Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. E ...

Core Insights - Crocs Inc. (CROX) is distinguishing itself in a slowing global footwear market through unique brand identity and cultural relevance, focusing on collaborations rather than heavy discounting [2][5] Brand Strategy - Recent collaborations include partnerships with Bath & Body Works, Batman, Squishmallow, and McDonald's, alongside product innovations like the Echo and in-motion franchises, aimed at budget-conscious consumers [3][4] - Crocs is evolving its product line with new materials and proprietary comfort technology, utilizing limited-edition drops to create urgency and maintain higher price points [4][11] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include NIKE Inc. (NKE), adidas AG (ADDYY), and Foot Locker Inc. (FL), all leveraging brand partnerships and innovation to capture consumer attention [6][10] - NIKE is focusing on performance innovation and high-impact collaborations, while adidas is advancing its strategy through performance-driven design and collaborations with designers [7][9] Financial Performance - Crocs shares have declined by 8.6% year-to-date, outperforming the industry decline of 27.2% [13] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 7.62X, below the industry average of 11.12X, with stable EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 [11][15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 2.1% decline in 2025 earnings, followed by a 4.2% growth in 2026 [18]