Many investors are avoiding the retailing industry today because of the weak selling environment facing brick-and-mortar companies. Increased competition from online specialists is forcing profit-sapping price cuts. Recently, both Target (NYSE: TGT) and Kroger (NYSE: KR) lowered their earnings outlook as they focus on protecting market share.
Against that backdrop, Costco (NASDAQ: COST) will post its fiscal fourth-quarter results, and the country's second-biggest retailer should have plenty to say about the retailing industry when it announces its numbers on Thursday, Oct. 5.
Here's what to look for in the report.
Source: Fool.com