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Central Garden & Pet (CENT) Rides on Multi-Faceted Strategy

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Central Garden & Pet Co. (CENT - Free Report) is employing a multi-faceted strategy to strengthen its position in the pet and garden supply space. This strategy includes the use of unique packaging, efficient point-of-sale presentations, logistical expertise and outstanding customer service to drive growth.

The company is focused on reducing costs and simplifying operations in areas, such as procurement, production, logistics and management. By undertaking measures like reducing the number of stock-keeping units, closing facilities and integrating new technologies, the company is demonstrating its dedication to improving operational efficiency. The closing of a live goods greenhouse in Burtonsville and the implementation of a more sophisticated treasury management system are key examples of its commitment to operational excellence and cost control.

Central Garden & Pet is also emphasizing a "Central-to-home" strategy, highlighted by major improvements in digital infrastructure, supply-chain efficiency, advanced data analysis and precise marketing efforts to boost customer interaction. Progress on the ongoing effort to simplify operations and enhance efficiency is evident, with initiatives, such as footprint rationalization and portfolio optimization yielding positive results.

Acquisitions: Key Component

Acquisitions are a critical component of Central Garden & Pet's expansion strategy, with the company completing more than 60 strategic purchases since 1992 to bolster its manufacturing prowess, operational integration and distribution channels.

Key acquisitions, such as TDBBS, LLC, a leading provider of premium natural dog chews and treats, along with other significant buys like D&D Commodities Ltd., Green Garden Products and Hopewell Nursery, highlight the company's focus on enhancing its digital and e-commerce capabilities, playing a significant role in its development path.

Strong Garden Segment Bodes Well

The Garden division of Central Garden & Pet showcased strength and potential for growth, achieving a 6% rise year over year in sales to $225 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, even in the face of challenges like adverse weather impacting Wild Bird product sales. This increase, fueled by early season shipments and an 11% year over year surge in organic net sales, underscores the division's varied product lineup and strong market demand.

Emphasizing consumer understanding, brand development and a marked increase in e-commerce transactions, the Garden division is strategically placed for continued growth and enhanced profitability.

Wrapping Up

Central Garden & Pet's strategic initiatives exhibit a harmonious emphasis on achieving operational efficiency, embracing digital innovation and executing strategic acquisitions. This approach lays a robust groundwork for continuous growth, and establishes a leading position in the pet and garden supplies industry.

Other Players in the Discretionary Sector

Ralph Lauren (RL - Free Report) remains focused on further digital investments to continue with the creation of content for all platforms, enhancing digital capabilities to improve the user experience, and continuing to leverage AI and data to serve its consumers more efficiently.

Ralph Lauren added 1.7 million consumers to its DTC businesses in the fiscal third quarter, which increased year over year in the high-single digits. For fiscal 2024, management projects constant-currency revenues to rise in the low-single digits.

Skechers (SKX - Free Report) continues to offer a diversified portfolio of brands that include a wide range of fashion, athletic, non-athletic and work footwear at compelling prices. Skechers continued to expand its retail footprint, surpassing 5,000 Skechers retail stores worldwide. The company opened numerous stores across different regions, reinforcing its global presence and accessibility to consumers.

Skechers' international business operations have been a pivotal driver of its overall growth trajectory. In the fourth quarter of 2023, international sales advanced 6.9%, accounting for approximately 64% of the company's total sales, underlining the significance of its global footprint.

G-III Apparel (GIII - Free Report) demonstrates its operational efficiency through a strategic approach to inventory management, as evidenced by its performance in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024. The company achieved a significant reduction in total inventory, which decreased 27% year over year, indicating an aggressive effort to align inventory levels more closely with sales demand.

In fiscal 2024, G-III Apparel embarked on a transformative journey with its brand portfolio, elevating the sales penetration of its key brands to 60% of the total sales and setting a trajectory to hit 70% to achieve 3% top-line growth in fiscal 2025.

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