It also highlights a photograph of a bare-breasted woman riding on the shoulders of a young man. And plenty of people apparently not only understand it, but embrace it. Same-store sales are considered the best sign of a retailer's health because they aren't affected by store openings or closings. The majority of big-name analysts rated it a strong buy or outperform. Company officials say they plan to have 2,000 stores nationwide within a decade.
Analysts agree such an ambitious plan is warranted.
It begins the season with small orders of many items, then reorders only those that have proved popular in the first few weeks. Then we track sales and act accordingly,'' said Fogel. The company has outfitted its manufacturing and inventory centers so they can turn on a dime. For instance, the fabric used for striped shirts can almost instantly be diverted to make tropical print bikinis if those are in high demand. The factories can be retooled on a moment's notice to go from making hats to carpenter pants.