Home Reit Share Discussion Threads

[she-ra] 08/11/2015 18:18

Its worrying they rely so much on big ticket items. AO don't have any expensive store leases, neither do Amazon and at least at Dixons Carphone you can get to see the item and get helpful advice and are likely to make a purchase.

Very.co.uk and Littlewoods regularly send their customers good offers to prod them into buying and their finance offer now seems superior to that of Argos.

Homebase seems to be a company you wouldn't invent today. And with more and more people renting in the UK the appetite for DIY seems to be on the decline.

And if you have Eastern European plumbers, electricians, builders etc they are price savvy and will go to places like local merchants, Wickes, B&Q, Screwfix and so on for materials not Homebase. Homebase seems to me to be the Woolies of DIY. Its not built for the future and the continual penetration by online only competitors.

[rickyvader] 08/11/2015 17:32

Good point scapital. There could be a takeover being eyed up for a couple of household names at bargain price with good assets.Think I'll buy if it drops to 105. Maybe see where it's heading tomorrow.

[scapital] 08/11/2015 12:41

I'm also on the sidelines, keeping a close eye. As someone, possibly Paul, said, the worry is being out when someone decides to make a bid for one of the UK's best distribution networks and gets a household brand name as an added bonus.

[haywards26] 08/11/2015 11:24

I am sitting on the sidelines here currently.

As a shopper with a young family I have to say Argos have improved over the last 12 months or so in regards pricing and service. Prices are now comparable with Amazon on many items and you can reserve online and collect same day. Amazon can't match that proposition!! Some stores are better than others, but I certainly see a future for Argos both on the high Street and online. They just need to innovate, keep pricing tight and be smart...

[dealer1972] 08/11/2015 08:09

I guess it's a case of selling more at a lower margin vs selling less at a higher margin. In order to do the former and take more profits against the latter the correct levels of stock are needed, IT strategy and operational readiness. Last year Blk Friday took all retailers by surprise, for example at Argos only 30% of website transactions could actually be actioned due to the level of customers online at the same time. Had all 100% of transactions gone through........Last year check and reserve impacted stock levels as certain 'unscrupulous' customers would check and reserve stock and e.g place it on eBay and only collect the stock if they sold it. This stopped genuine customers obtaining the goods and creating sales for Argos. Now with Fast Track payments are made in advance before collection. This will all drive greater sales ;)

[discodave4] 08/11/2015 01:03

Last years Jan trading statement implies Black Friday threatened profits:"Whilst experiencing strong trade on 'Black Friday', Argos adapted its trading stance both during this event and during the period in general, in order to protect both its gross margin and its cost base, as the highly promotional and high volume nature of this event threatened profit in this key period."DD

[dealer1972] 07/11/2015 17:19

Retailers weren't really prepared for Blk Friday last year. Website issues, lack of stock etc. This year they will be ;) and Argos will have the best customer proposition of them all IMO!!

[discodave4] 07/11/2015 12:52

Argos - four Black Fridays!http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/AN_1446813235665465600/argos-launches-red-white-and-blue-fridays-leading-to-up-black-friday.aspxDD

[my retirement fund] 07/11/2015 12:26

As happened last year, it will be interesting to see if they do anything different this year probably not as in America it simply get crazier every year with people shooting each other in some situations

[she-ra] 07/11/2015 12:16

But the market is worried that Black Friday will have an impact on Xmas and that it actually hurts rather than helps profits.

[dealer1972] 07/11/2015 11:01

Wrong time to be out now, just b4 Blk Friday and peak period. Will be biggest sales period ever. You've just played directly into the hands of the MM's ;)

[bouka1] 06/11/2015 16:28

I am tired of seeing MMS eating peoples money, --- They6 should change thir broker, I am out

[sefton1] 06/11/2015 16:20

You shouldn't be so aggressive towards other people or one day someone will clock you.

[my retirement fund] 06/11/2015 16:09

Bucket loads of intangibles capitalised; Subjective profit and falling; Cash flow recent years mostly from equity and debt!

............anyone fancy some, i'll give yer, you want some?

[bouka1] 06/11/2015 08:17

Dividend 12th november

[bouka1] 06/11/2015 07:21

keeping a close eye on this one

[bouka1] 05/11/2015 21:56

150p long before christmas will come here-- short squeeze will come soon

[shamus21] 05/11/2015 16:38

Not a chance. Sell it short every time it rallies

[bouka1] 05/11/2015 07:47

150p long before christmas

[bouka1] 05/11/2015 07:32

I am keeping an eye on this one--- bottomed out at this level

[bouka1] 05/11/2015 06:34

keeping a close eye on this one

[bouka1] 04/11/2015 21:31

they need to change the broker...all broker doing eating spread