58% of TJ Maxx Stores Have Inventory Bound for the Sale Racks

With strong second quarter FY09 Results, TJ Maxx (The TJX Companies, Inc.) was surveyed by Tickermine this week. Thirty one stores around the country were asked whether business was up from this time last year. Do you have excess inventory that will go on sale soon, do you believe the weak housing market and economy hurt your business and which brand is selling best? Forty two % of those interviewed reported business as above average compared with a year ago. Thirty nine % said it was average, 13% said it was below average and 6% said it was very strong. Fifty eight % reported having excess inventory for the sale racks and 42% did not. Forty two % weren’t sure if the economy was effecting sales, 35% said it was not and 23% said it was. And the best selling brands being mentioned were three fold: Jones New York, Nike and Will Smith. Each received three mentions or by 10% of those polled.

The 128i Convertible Doesn't Sell Great at BMW Dealerships

In the wake of BMW’s recall of vehicles for an airbag problem, Tickermine polled 29 dealerships across the US and asked which BMW model sells best, does your dealership offer specials on trucks or SUVs, are you offering specials on satellite radios and has there been a spike in sales this past month? Forty one percent of those interviewed said the 3 Series sold best. Fourteen percent cited the 1 Series, 10% mentioned the BMW Z4 and 7% cited the 128i convertible. Sixty two percent of those polled reported selling no SUV or truck deals. Thirty eight percent offered some. Seventy six percent were offering deals on satellite radio. Twenty four % were not and 52% reported a spike in sales this past month. While 48% did not.

71% of Supermarket Workers say Hispanic Food Sales are Up, 29% Don't Notice Either Way

Goya Brands, owned by Gruma S.A.B., were consulted this week. 31 supermarkets around the country were asked whether the store had a specific section dedicated to Hispanic food? Are sales of these items increasing or decreasing and which Hispanic brands sell best? 28 people or 90% of those interviewed reported having a specific Hispanic foods section. Only 10% reported having none. 71% of those interviewed said sales of these items are spiking. Nobody said they were decreasing, but 29% said they weren't sure whether Hispanic food sales were up or down. Goya Foods is the most popular brand according to 42% of those interviewed. 10% said it was Ortega. Zattarains (though a Cajun brand) was cited by 6% , and so was Diamond Dave's.

Few Have Faith in Firestone, Survey Says

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co was profiled this week preceding a kerfluffle at NASCAR where some of its tires failed. 28 stores across the country were consulted and asked which tire brand sells best? Which tire brand does the respondent think to be superior? And are sales up or down from a year ago? Goodyear were selling best according to nine respondents or 32% of those we called. Michelin were cited by six people or 21% and Firestone was mentioned by only 7%. Goodyear was the favorite tire among those we chatted with (mentioned by 43%) and Michelon was cited by 21% of those we polled. And 72% of those interviewed said their business was up from a year ago. Only 28% said it was down.