Word: retail
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...many retail analysts, the Toys "R" Us tweak makes a ton of sense. After all, if Wal-Mart and the Targets of the world can sell toys, why shouldn't Toys "R" Us sell food and paper towels? "Sometimes the fence swings both ways," says Marshall Cohen, an analyst at the NPD Group. Consumers are willing to pay for convenience, say the experts, especially when grabbing items that they really need. "Is it a good idea? It's the only idea," says Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates, a retail consultancy and investment bank. "Mothers are going to the store...
...Although the toy industry isn't sinking as much as other businesses, it's not exactly fun these days. The company's U.S. sales were essentially flat in 2008. KB Toys, a tough competitor, was liquidated. Bottom line: all retailers need some kind of response. "It's nice to see someone try something besides cutting prices," says Sean McGowan, a retail analyst at Needham...
...surprising that Wal-Mart offer lower prices than Toys "R" Us on consumables, one of the retail giant's core competencies. What should be more disconcerting for Toys "R" Us is that Wal-Mart often beats the toy company at its own game. For example, a collectable Lighting McQueen, the main character in the hit Pixar movie Cars, costs $2.97 at Wal-Mart. At Toys "R" Us, he and other key characters go for $3.59. Monopoly is $10.44 at Wal-Mart and $12.99 at Toys "R" Us. Here's a real shocker: at Wal-Mart, a "Surf's Up" Barbie...
Thanks to relentless marketing - Rosetta Stone commercials, some of which featured Michael Phelps after the Olympics, are ubiquitous - and a strong retail distribution network that includes Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and mall kiosks throughout the country, Rosetta Stone is the most recognized brand in the $5 billion U.S. language learning market (worldwide, the Nielsen Company estimates that language learning is an $83 billion industry). Also, a second language enhances your resume; job searchers need every advantage they can get these days. "In this era of unemployment, language skills are very much in vogue," says Scott Sweet, senior managing partner...
...only been four offerings this year - might be disappointed. Rosetta Stone worked because it's a profitable company with solid growth prospects and manageable debt. Many IPO hopefuls don't share these traits. "Anyone who thinks that the IPO pipeline will open up is mistaken," says Sweet. "Institutions and retail investors won't even look at the stock if the company it debt-ridden, is losing money, or if sales are lumpy. There's not one IPO in the pipeline with an actual date, even though dozens and dozens of companies are ready." Rosetta Stone squeaked through with good financials...