49% of Retailers See Increased Sales for Kate Spade Clothing, Shoes

Forty-nine percent of department stores that carry Kate Spade clothing or shoes say sales are increasing, according to TickerMine's latest poll. Forty-five percent of retailers surveyed said sales have remained consistent, and only six percent said sales are decreasing. Stores polled included retail giants Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Seventy-seven percent of stores surveyed carry Kate Spade clothing; 83% carry the line's shoes. Retailers reported that Kate Spade items are "good quality" and "stylish and popular." Only 17% of respondents are planning a clearance sale for Kate Spade items.

79% of Bed, Bath and Beyond's Stores Sell the Same Stuff from Previous Years

Bed, Bath and Beyond, the US’s largest home furnishing retailer, was surveyed this week after reports that store sales had increased by 0.8 percent in the quarter. Respondents at 34 stores around the country were asked whether their most popular selling items matched those from last year, if there were many spring and summer items in stock, what are their best selling items and is business up or down from a year ago? 27 respondents or 79% of those polled said their hot items this year were just the same as previous years. Seven people or 21% of those polled said new items were integrated each year. Fourteen people or 41% of the poll said that business was up from a year ago. Ten people or 29% said business had slumped, while nine people or 26% said nothing had changed. Two people or six percent said they were lacking summer and spring items, but 96% of those polled said they had plenty in stock. Consequently, seven people, or 21% said that summery items were selling best. Bedding also scored well (six people or 18%). Who would have thought that the Banzai Aqua Blast Volleyball n Limbo would elicit two mentions (6%) , as would the Beer Dispenser and Cooler. And 29 people or 88% of those polled said that, yes, indeed they do match their competitor's prices. Four people or 12% said they don’t.

Most Maggiano's Little Italy Restaurants are No Busier than Last Year

We surveyed Maggiano’s Little Italy, the restaurant chain owned by Brinker International, Inc. this week. This was after analysts raised its ticker to “neutral” from “sell.” Respondents were asked if their lunch or dinner shift was busiest? What attracted their clientele, what were the most popular menu items on the menu, how much did the average party of two spend and was business up or down from year ago? 22 locations were interviewed. Lunch must be dead at this restaurant chain, because only one respondent or 4% of the poll reported lunch as their busiest shift. The remaining 96% reported this to be dinner. The menu is attracting their customers according to eight respondents or 36% of the poll.