BCBG, J Brand and 7 for All Mankind Jeans are Horrible, Survey Says, but True Religion Rocks

Banks are toppling but American women still buy high-end designer jeans, so says a Tickermine survey of retailers selling True Religion designer jeans. Researchers approached 31 stores including Nordstrom’s, Macy’s and True Religion stores and asked how are sales of high-end jeans, which brand sells best, what does the respondent think of True Religion and which brand should shoppers avoid and why? 15 people or 48% say sales are "above average," 9 people, 29%, say they are "average," 5 people, 16% go so far to say sales are "very strong" and only 2 or 6% say they are "low." Two brands prevailed as the hottest designer jeans: True Religion (cited by 28%) and Seven for All Mankind (16%). And there was only one negative response about True Religion: These jeans, though beautiful, trendy, timelessly designed and comfortable, are too pricey. And respondents cited three brands as what not to buy: BCBG (3 mentions or 10%), 2 people or 6% mentioned J Brand and the same goes for Seven for All Mankind. Common complaints cited were that the denim was shabby quality, awful design and general discomfort.

33% of Wachovia Bank Respondents say the Average Lending Rate is Higher from Two Months Ago

Tickermine surveyed respondents at Wachovia Bank this week after news that the shares of Wachovia Corp. had risen 29 percent, to $18.75. Respondents at 18 different branches were asked what is the average loan size on a fixed rate single family home, what is the average lending rate, is the rate higher or lower from two months ago and does the respondent think that the default rates are up? We found that the average loan was $228,608.44. The average lending rate was at 6%, according to our poll, (versus 6%) at US Bank) and while 11 people or 61% say the rate was lower from two months ago, 6 people or 33% say it is higher, and one person or 6% say it is the same. Finally, most people, 11 respondents or 61% think the default rates are up, 3 people or 14% say these are flat and 4 people or 22% say they are down.

43% of Washington Mutual Respondents say the Default Lending Rate is Higher

Washington Mutual was polled by Tickermine just a week before the giant was bought by another bank. Our researchers asked respondents at 23 locations around the country what is the average loan size on a single family home, what is the average lending rate, is this up or down from two months earlier and how does the respondent view the default rate? We learned that the average loan size was $257,185 and the average lending rate was 6.17%. 12 people or 52% of those polled say the rate is down from two months earlier and 11 people or 48% say it is up.