Analysts: Sept. Sales Lagging

NEW YORK CITY-Analysts are predicting tough year-over-year same-store sales results for September, due to rising energy costs and the two hurricanes that recently hit the South. Most retailers will report their sales for last month on Thursday.

In the apparel sector an SG Cowen & Co. report sees Gap Inc.’s same-store sales falling by between 5% and 7%, and Hot Topic dropping between 6% and 8%. The firm predicts big increases from Bebe Stores, from 13% to 15%; Abercrombie & Fitch, from 13% to 15%; and American Eagle Outfitters, at 9% to 11%.

“Deteriorating macro trends are far less likely to impact retailers addressing higher income customers with strong brand recognition than those targeting a lower income customer with weaker brand recognition,” Cowen’s report says.