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Apparels Boost July Retail Sales: 5 Stocks to Buy

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U.S. apparel same-store sales grew 7.5% in July against a steady economic backdrop. Understandably, the apparel market seems to be headed for a good 2018 with higher consumer spending. Also, retail sales jumped 0.5% in July, with robust consumers spending on clothing. Retail sales also got a boost from higher online spend. This definitely is an indication that an increasing number of Americans are willing to spend more with steady job and wage growth.

That said, apparel and shoemakers have been performing well, with impressive quarterly results from a host of the companies. Moreover the U.S. apparel market is poised to grow at a robust pace over the next few years. Given this scenario, there it makes sense to add stocks apparel stocks to your portfolio right away.

Apparel and Footwear Sales Rise In July

Per research firm Retail Metrics, July proved to be a good month for apparel and footwear makers, with same-store retail sales jumping 7.5, beating expectations of a gain of 6.8% and rising 4.8% year over year. It goes without saying that 2018 is proving to be good for the clothing and footwear industry against a booming economy. In June apparel sales 8.9%, while in May it had increased 7.4%.

Interestingly, almost every apparel and footwear company reported higher same-store sales in July. Understandably, an increasing number of Americans are willing to spend more with steady job and wage growth. The U.S. apparel market is one of the biggest and is poised to growth at a robust pace over the next few years. The apparel market is expected to witness at CAGR of 2.3% between 2018 and 2021.

That said, online sales have been playing an integral role in boosting growth of the clothing and footwear market. According to a new report from information company NPD Group, 21% of the annual apparel sales were made online, while 76% from in-store purchases.  

July Retail Sales Rise on Higher Clothing Sales

The Commerce Department also acknowledged that apparel helped retail sales grow in July. U.S. July retail sales, a measure of spending at U.S. stores, websites and restaurants, jumped 0.5% from a month earlier to a seasonally adjusted $507.5 billion. Consumer spending is one of the most important drivers of the U.S. economy and higher retail sales boosted by robust spending on apparel and grocery indicate that an increasing number of Americans are willing to spend more.

Understandably, with unemployment level at a 19-year low, steady job and wage growth, consumers are more confident about spending on apparels and footwear. This definitely indicates at a booming economy. Moreover, apparel makers have been reporting impressive numbers this earnings season, which proves that the clothing and the footwear market is on steady growth track.

Our Choices

Understandably, higher wages, unemployment level at a record low, steady job growth and higher consumer confidence indicate at a booming U.S. economy. This definitely is translating into increased consumer spending, which is seeing a rise in retail sales boosted by higher clothing and grocery sales. So it makes sense to add appeal and footwear stocks to your portfolio right away.

However, picking winning stocks may be difficult. We have narrowed down our search to the following stocks based on a good Zacks Rank and other relevant metrics.

Canada Goose Holdings Inc.(GOOS - Free Report) is a global outerwear brand. The company is a designer, manufacturer, distributor and retailer of premium outerwear for men, women and children. 

The company has an expected earnings growth of 31.8% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 13% over the last 60 days. The stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT - Free Report) operates as a lifestyle retail chain devoted to western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories.

Boot Barn Holdings has a Zacks Rank #1 and an expected earnings growth of 64.3% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 12.7% over the last 60 days.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF - Free Report)  operates in two segments, Hollister and Abercrombie. It offers apparel, intimates, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, abercrombie kids, and Gilly Hicks brand names. 

Abercrombie & Fitch has a Zacks Rank #1 and an expected earnings growth of 26.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.2% over the last 60 days.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN - Free Report) is an innovative specialty retailer and wholesaler which offers a variety of lifestyle merchandise to highly defined customer niches through Urban Retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Urban Outfitters has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an expected earnings growth of 49.7% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.4% over the last 60 days.

DSW Inc.  is a leading branded footwear and accessories retailer that offers a wide selection of brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories for women, men and kids. 

DSW Inc has a Zacks Rank #2 and an expected earnings growth of 6.6% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.6% over the last 60 days.

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