Nordstrom's Focus on Designer Brands and Customer Experience
2023-07-30
Nordstrom recently held a call meeting to discuss their first quarter 2023 earnings and provide a business update. The meeting focused on improving Nordstrom Rack performance and addressing challenges in the current macroeconomic environment.
The most important topic discussed in the meeting was the progress and improvement of Nordstrom's business strategy, particularly in relation to their Rack stores and designer brands.
Nordstrom acknowledged that they have been working on transforming their business at Nordstrom Rack and have a clear strategy in place. While it is still early in the implementation process, they have seen positive signs of progress and believe that their proof of concept is worth continuing to invest in. Nordstrom aims to keep investors informed about their progress in this area.
In addition, Nordstrom emphasized the importance of the designer matrix at their full-line stores and their partnership with major designer brands. They recognized the ever-changing nature of fashion and the need to work closely with designers to determine effective distribution strategies. Nordstrom believes that designer products will continue to play a significant role in their business.
Overall, Nordstrom's focus on improving brand content and their collaboration with designers demonstrates their commitment to enhancing the customer experience and staying relevant in the competitive retail industry.
The market outlook for the company indicates that there will be continued pressure on consumer spending due to elevated inflation and interest rates. However, the company expects to improve profitability and mitigate inflationary cost pressures through its key priorities. The outlook for revenue, adjusted EBIT, and adjusted earnings per share is reaffirmed, although there will be a charge related to the wind-down of Canadian operations. Revenue is expected to decline, but there will be a positive impact from the 53rd week in fiscal 2023 and sequential improvements in the second quarter and second half of the year. The company remains on track to deliver an adjusted EBIT margin.
The company's outlook for the quarter/year is as follows:
- The company expects continued pressure on consumer spending due to elevated inflation and interest rates.
- They anticipate progress on key priorities to improve profitability and mitigate inflationary cost pressures.
- The company reaffirms its outlook for revenue, adjusted EBIT, and adjusted earnings per share.
- Revenue is expected to decline by 4% to 6% compared to the previous year, with a negative impact from the wind-down of Canadian operations and a positive impact from the 53rd week in fiscal 2023.
- Sales comparisons will be more challenging in the first half of the year but are expected to improve in the second half.
- Sequential improvements in business are expected in the second quarter and building into the second half, particularly in the Rack segment.
- The company expects a slight sequential improvement in the top-line trend.
The company has made progress on strategic initiatives, with a focus on private brands and supply chain optimization. They expect incremental improvement throughout the year and anticipate significant growth improvement in the following year. The company has implemented initiatives to improve unit flow, velocity, and throughput in their centers, as well as click-to-delivery speed and transportation efficiencies. They are pleased with the progress made so far but believe there is still room for improvement. The company has also increased the penetration of strategic brands at Rack through proper buying and a dedicated Rack-buying team. Overall, the company's progress on strategic initiatives is positive.
The company's capital spending plans involve allocating 3% to 4% of net sales towards capital expenditures.
The participants of the call included analysts from various financial institutions such as Piper Sandler, Jefferies, Gordon Haskett Research Advisors, Goldman Sachs, KeyBanc Capital Markets, JPMorgan Chase and Company, Telsey Advisory Group, Morgan Stanley, BMO Capital Markets, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and JJK Research Associates. Their presence on the call suggests that the company is of interest to investors and financial institutions.
The meeting discussed the improvement of brand content at Nordstrom's Rack and the progress of the designer matrix at their full-line stores. Analyst Janet Kloppenburg asked about the outlook for further improvement in brand content at the Rack and whether this would result in higher price points. She also inquired about the progress in achieving the right balance and mix of designers at the full-line stores, as well as the clearance of problematic designer products. Pete Nordstrom, the President and Chief Brand Officer, acknowledged the ongoing transformation of the Rack business and the need for continued investment. He stated that progress would be shared quarterly and expressed confidence in the importance of designer brands for Nordstrom's future. He emphasized the responsibility of working with brand partners to deliver the best products to customers.