What Retailers Should Investors Watch in 2017?

The video discusses the financial challenges faced by traditional retailers like Sears, which is heavily reliant on financial engineering and real estate to manage its debt. It highlights the broader trend of retailers focusing on real estate as a strategy, with examples like Macy's. The video also examines the difficulties faced by other retailers such as J.Crew and Gap, and the impact of online retail giants like Amazon on consumer spending and confidence. Despite high consumer confidence, actual spending does not align, raising questions about future retail trends.

What financial strategy has Sears been using to manage its operations?

• Expanding its product line

• Reducing employee wages

• Financial engineering

• Increasing store locations

What is a common challenge faced by traditional brick-and-mortar retailers like Sears and Macy's?

• Excessive marketing expenses

• Lack of product variety

• Difficulty in adapting to online retail

• High employee turnover

How have some retailers like Sears attempted to leverage their assets to stay competitive?

• By investing in new technology

• By selling off real estate

• By hiring more staff

• By increasing advertising budgets

Which retailer is noted for consistently achieving significant growth in the online market?

• Macy's

• J.Crew

• Amazon

• Gap

What is the observed discrepancy between consumer confidence and actual spending?

• Spending is higher than confidence

• Confidence and spending are equal

• Confidence is high, but spending is low

• Spending is high, but confidence is low