SubscribeZoom Zoom Zumiez
July 24, 2007
I write this as I am sitting in the middle of Bryant Park (42nd Street and 6th Avenue). There is plenty of sun, people and free wireless!
For me, it is that time of year again. Travel, camp, sun and fun. We were just back from Northern Europe and then off to New York. First for camp visiting day and then to Manhattan for some fun. It is amazing what you can learn from kids. Not only insight into life, but also investment opportunities.
For now, let’s stick with the latter.
Early the next day we picked up the kids and drove to the nearest mall. They always need a few things for the second half of camp. We visited two malls in less than 3 hours that day. Always on the lookout for new ideas for investing in retail stocks, I noticed that the usual hangouts for kids (PacSun (PSUN), Abercrombie and Hot Topic) were not very busy that day.
Instead, there was a great deal of action at Zumiez. (zoom-EEY-eyz). This is a store that is popular with the 12-24 year old crowd. Imaging a store that combines the edge of Hot Topic (HOTT), the coolness of Abercrombie/Hollister (ANF) and a nice dose of skater boy. Then, add to that the hottest brands (D&G, Etnies, BMX, Quicksilver, Vans etc) and you have Zumiez.
The standard stock description goes something like this: Zumiez Inc. (Zumiez) is a mall-based specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories operating under the Zumiez (ZUMZ) brand name. As of February 3, 2007, the Company operated 235 stores primarily located in shopping malls, giving it a presence in 23 states. Zumiez stores cater to young men and women between the ages of 12 and 24 who seek brands representing a lifestyle centered on activities that include skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding and Bicycle Motocross (BMX). It supports the action sports lifestyle and promotes its brand through a multi-faceted marketing approach that is designed to integrate its brand image with its customer’s activities and interests
The company is rated a MODERATE BUY by analysts (covered by # 9 analysts with a range of Strong Buy - 6 Moderate Buy- 1 Hold - 2)
Now what makes this different for any other retail store is Read more
Press: Sun Sentinel - Dow 14,000
July 20, 2007
Exciting? Well, kinda. I have been around for many milestones. 14,000 is, well just another number. Why not celebrate 13,723.76?
The Sun Sentinel was excited about it, as was the Associated Press. The article follows with my quotes highlighted:
NEW YORK, Wall Street moved soundly higher Thursday, sending the Dow Jones industrials to their first close above 14,000 as investors kept jitters about the economy at bay and focused on a string of upbeat earnings reports.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 index also had a record close.
“Dow 14,000 was inevitable,” said Andrew Horowitz of Horowitz & Co., a Weston firm that manages $70 million. The combination of money available from investors who previously were in real estate, and the market’s own momentum propelled the quick rise. “I don’t think 15,000 will be that far off,” he said.
Profit news from companies like International Business Machines Corp., network equipment maker Juniper Networks Inc., and business software company SAP AG helped lift stocks and boosted investors’ appetite for Read more
TDI Podcast 19: Dow 20,000 - Harry Dent Interview
July 20, 2007
Guest Harry Dent - Renowned Economist and bestselling author who predicted the last several booms and busts. REDF, CROX, AAPL, ANET and many others are also discussed. Corporate buybacks artificially inflating earnings? We will find out. Dow 20,000 - WHEN?
Finally, we discuss S-Curves of adoption and what is the next early stage ideas that will transform the next decades.
Harry Dent’s latest Newsletter: Dow 20,000 available for download. We talk about the boom and eventual bust of this market, real estate and how to get in and out. This is a show that will knock your socks off!
Book PreOrders are being accepted at the website… Coming to bookstores September 2007. All pre-orders will be signed by ME!
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Kindly subscribe and go to iTunes or your favorite podcast directory and post a review of the show - This is much appreciated!
Update - Don’t get caught with your Crocs Down
July 20, 2007
I have been monitoring the message boards, blog posts, news and any other source for information I can get on this company (CROX). For the most part, I have only come across emotional rants from people that love to wear the shoes. As an example, in response to an article on Blogging Stocks discussing the company, here is the comments:
It think your shoes are too tight!! I love Crocs. They have come out
with a new sheik wedge croc that is awesome. Get someone to resize
your shoes so your toes stop hurting and making write your croc of
Posted at 6:40PM on Jul 12th 2007 by debargie
Yes, they are hideous. Do not knock them until you try them.I wear my Crocs to aerobics class, sure beats my expensive athletic shoes. They do not fall off and I do not use the straps either.
Posted at 7:26PM on Jul 14th 2007 by laurie
There is a clear disconnect here. Maybe it is the fact that feet are the furthest part of the body from the brain. While they are comfortable, that is not a good enough reason to buy the stock. If it was, why not load up on Levitz Furniture, they make some of the most comfortable furniture. (Wait, didn’t they declare bankruptcy or?)
Anyway, the fact remains that Croc’s is an interesting fad and even if the fad lasts for some time, the stock is not one for the long haul. Just look once again at the recent action when the bulls are Read more
Authorize.net – Securing Net Transactions
July 18, 2007
They work in the background. Quietly checking on your credit authenticity each time you complete a transaction on the web. Buying a book? Checking out at your favorite online store? If so, the Authorize.net (ANET) probably has something to do with the process. They are in the business of helping merchants to accept credit cards and remain secure that the card is valid.As more and more people move towards purchasing products and services online. In a recent survey Harris Interactive, found that:
“people who said they had experienced troubles in digital transactions, 91% said they were worried about data security. To have a positive experience the respondents singled out two key elements; Web site security (26% of respondents) and ease of completing a transaction (22%).”
All indicators point to the continued adoption of online activity especially shopping. This in turn will create additional revenues for Authorize.net and other companies in the business of providing merchant accounts (such as Ebay’s PayPal division and many commercial banks). But, if you are looking for a pure play in the area of Read more
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