Retailers Have Cut Inventory and Raised Prices

Gross margins are way up due to lean inventories, operating margins are at peak levels, and retailers are saying business is up versus 2019, says Stacy Widlitz of SW Retail Advisors. Retailers undertook significant cost cutting programs, she adds. The cost of labor is going up and it's hard to find people to work in stores, she points out. There is a lot of full-price selling and no promotions in the market with retailers raising prices. Apparel brands citing the return to full price selling due to inventory constraints.