The Buckle, Inc. is the Exception to the Rule in Speciality Retail According to Thomas A. Filandro of Susquehanna Financial

March 27, 2009

In a recent interview with Thomas A. Filandro of Susquehanna Financial he discussed how Buckle has bucked the trends in Speciality Retail:

Mr. Filandro: Buckle is an excellent example of not being under-merchandised. BKE has successfully expanded its market penetration, delivering 18 consecutive months of positive same-store sales, as well as higher pricing, lower markdowns and improved full-priced selling. Buckle’s offerings, which are both branded and private label, are highly differentiated from the majority of specialty retailers, which have become somewhat homogenous. In this environment, outside of necessities, consumers are only willing to pay up for product that they are emotionally connected to. Since apparel differs from electronics that may provide greater functionality, it’s all about emotional connectivity in this sector.

The complete 39-page Wall Street Transcript Specialty Retail report contains 6 analysts and 2 sector firms and can be read here.