AEO Dec 2024 32.000 put

How the 'creeper effect' is impacting retailers

With consumers grappling with the burden of high prices and persistent inflation, the implications for the retail sector are becoming increasingly apparent. Barclays' Consumer Discretionary Analyst Adrienne Yih and TD Cowen Analyst Jonna Kim join Market Domination to dissect the dynamics shaping the retail sector. Yih acknowledges the "pullback" in consumer spending due to the ongoing impact of inflation, describing it as "a creeper effect" that is gradually affecting consumers across various income levels. She emphasizes that for retailers to maintain consumer loyalty and spending, they must offer "a trend or a brand that rises above." Yih identifies American Eagle (AEO), Gap (GPS), and Old Navy as companies with this momentum. Kim, on the other hand, notes that despite the pressure on consumers, "the newness is resonating well with [them]." She believes that more brands introducing new products will boost consumer sentiment within the retail sector. However, Kim notes that consumers are still prioritizing value overall. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Market Domination. This post was written by Angel Smith