Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) has recently launched an Apple, Inc. (AAPL) iPhone application that allows users to customize the Rugby brand of shirts. The move is an extension of the so-called "merchantainment" program of the company that blends its merchandising efforts with entertainment. Polo Ralph introduced the Rugby brand in 2004 to primarily target young adults. The new application enables iPhone and iPod touch device users to personalize the Rugby line of shirts including varsity sweaters, rugby shirts, polo shirts and hooded sweatshirts. Customers can now add patches that feature numbers and letters on their shirts, and upload their photos with chosen hairstyles, skin tones and backgrounds. The strategic move is aimed at utilizing popular networking sites to augment sales and establish direct communication with end users. Similar moves had already been taken by diverse companies such as Dell Inc. (DELL) and Starbucks ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – August 27, 2009 – Zacks.com releases the latest Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks featured in this week’s analysis include Aeropostale (ARO), Ross Stores (ROSS), Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR), Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) and Kohl's (KSS).

Zacks Industry Rank Analysis is written by Charles Rotblut, CFA, Senior Market Analyst for Zacks.com.

This week: Some Retailers Seeing Sales Growth

Second-quarter profits for the retailers have been coming in better than expected, mirroring a trend I've seen with other industries. Nearly 75% of the retailers have topped expectations.*

Though the numbers are better than forecast, they need to be taken in context with the economic backdrop. Most retailers failed to achieve growth, either in terms of same-store sales or profits. The third-quarter could remain challenging, given the consumer confidence numbers. The Conference Board's index of consumer confidence stands at just 54.1. Though

...

Second-quarter profits for the retailers have been coming in better than expected, mirroring a trend I've seen with other industries. Nearly 75% of the retailers have topped expectations.*

Though the numbers are better than forecast, they need to be taken in context with the economic backdrop. Most retailers failed to achieve growth, either in terms of same-store sales or profits. The third-quarter could remain challenging, given the consumer confidence numbers. The Conference Board's index of consumer confidence stands at just 54.1. Though an improvement from July, it is still a weak reading.

Some Retailers Delivering Real Growth

Not all retailers are struggling, however. In fact, just last week, 2 retailers reported both sales and earnings growth.

Aeropostale (ARO) achieved an impressive 12% increase in same-store sales, which helped lead to a 20% increase in total sales. Earnings of 57 cents per share were a penny above expectations, and compare

...

Bullion and oil appear in the lineup of power players that Doug Casey thinks investors can count on as the world slips deeper and deeper into what he calls the “Greater Depression.” Despite the raging economic storm and Doug’s doubts that Western civilization’s governments will take the actions needed to quell it, though, the Chairman of Casey Research is nowhere close to calling the game. In fact, he sees silver lining in the clouds of crisis—opportunity—and expresses optimism that technological advances, coupled with capital rebuilding once over-consumption runs its course, will prevail eventually. The Energy Report caught up with the peripatetic author, publisher and professional international investor between polo matches in New Zealand, one of several nation-states he calls home from time to time.

The Energy Report: You’ve been discussing what you’re calling “crisis and opportunity,” and in fact have a summit by that same name coming up in Las …

Bullion and oil appear in the lineup of power players that Doug Casey thinks investors can count on as the world slips deeper and deeper into what he calls the “Greater Depression.” Despite the raging economic storm and Doug’s doubts that Western civilization’s governments will take the actions needed to quell it, though, the Chairman of Casey Research is nowhere close to calling the game. In fact, he sees silver lining in the clouds of crisis—opportunity—and expresses optimism that technological advances, coupled with capital rebuilding once over-consumption runs its course, will prevail eventually. The Gold Report caught up with the peripatetic author, publisher and professional international investor between polo matches in New Zealand, one of several nation-states he calls home from time to time.

The Gold Report: You’ve been discussing what you’re calling “crisis and opportunity,” and in fact have a summit by that same name coming up in Las …