Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights: Gap Inc., Limited Brands and The Hershey Company

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zacks.com releases the latest Industry Outlook. Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses the Retail Industry, including Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) and The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY).

A synopsis of today’s Industry Outlook is presented below. The full article can be read at http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/27660/Retail+Industry.

Upcoming Holiday Shopping Season

Most of the companies in the apparel, confectionery and cosmetics sector are expected to benefit from the holiday shopping season.

Leading apparel company Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) recently reported strong quarterly earnings, boosted by sales at its low-price Old Navy chain. Gap is now focusing more on improving its business model by striking the right balance between its cost structure and merchandise by better aligning inventory with sales trends. The company is upbeat about its performance in the upcoming holiday shopping season, as management is focused on gaining market share by presenting a strong value proposition to customers across its brands.

The other leading retail business, Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) reported almost a 50% year-over-year increase in earnings during the fiscal 2009 third quarter. The company is confident about its strong performance during the holiday shopping season and has lined up holiday themes focused on offering core products and seasonal gifts.

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) also posted strong profits during the recently reported quarter. The company is making the required consumer investments for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2679.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4581.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.