Last time, we learned the real reason this business is tanking ... new item problems.
Here's the comp segment analysis for Tops:
And for Bottoms:
There are subtle differences, but let's be honest - the end result, on an annual basis, is the same. Both divisions were up 3% in 2013, the two divisions were down 9% and 8% in 2014.
The problem isn't Tops, and the problem isn't Bottoms.
The problem is new items within Tops, and new items within Bottoms.
Here's the comp segment analysis for Tops:
And for Bottoms:
There are subtle differences, but let's be honest - the end result, on an annual basis, is the same. Both divisions were up 3% in 2013, the two divisions were down 9% and 8% in 2014.
The problem isn't Tops, and the problem isn't Bottoms.
The problem is new items within Tops, and new items within Bottoms.