There are a number of reasons to consider investing in retail stocks.
Amongst the reasons I like the retail sector as a hunting ground for good potential investments is that (in general) a retailer's business models can be very appealing – a factor not lost on one of the world's greatest investors, Warren Buffett.
Here are four ASX retail stocks worth knowing.
The Leader – Premier Investments Limited (ASX: PMV)
Premier owns a wide range of leading brands including JayJays and Just Jeans, however, it's the Smiggle brand which is garnering the most attention and has the greatest growth potential.
Led by billionaire Solomon Lew, Premier is driving growth via a major expansion of the Smiggle brand into overseas regions including the UK.
The Laggard – Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR)
The share price of department store operator Myer is still down 50% over the past five years, despite rallying 25% in the last six months.
While Myer may not have the exciting growth profile of Smiggle, its shares could still be an enticing investment opportunity considering they are trading on a forecast price-to-earnings ratio of less than 13 times prospective earnings.
The Niche Player – Nick Scali Limited (ASX: NCK)
Nick Scali is a founder-led furniture retailer that has achieved the impressive record of a total shareholder return of 19.5% per annum over the past decade.
The company recently boosted its expected full year 2016 profit guidance to a range between $24 million and $26 million. With sales of around $200 million there would appear to be plenty of scope for further growth.
The Disruptor – Kogan.com Ltd (ASX: KGN)
This newly floated online electronics retailer has grown quickly since its humble beginnings in a garage in 2006.
While Kogan must compete with giants such as Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) and JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), its low cost operating model and expanding brand awareness could see the group achieve further market share growth.
