Stitch Fix Announces Chili Red as 2026 Color of the Year with 50% Sales Increase

Consumer Discretionary Sector Performance: The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF rose by 1%, making it the top-performing sector among the 11 S&P groups last week.

Weakness in Major Holdings: Despite the sector's overall gain, major holdings like Home Depot and Nike saw declines of 4% and 13%, respectively.

Nike's Notable Decline: Nike's 13% drop represents its worst weekly performance since late June 2024, indicating ongoing challenges in the athletic apparel market.

Adidas Struggles: Adidas is also facing difficulties, currently trading 30% below its most recent 52-week high.

AOV Growth: Stitch Fix reported a 9.6% year-over-year increase in Average Order Value (AOV) for fiscal Q1 2026, marking nine consecutive quarters of growth, driven by larger basket sizes and a focus on high-demand categories like footwear and denim.

Revenue per Active Client: Revenue per active client (RPAC) rose 5.3% year-over-year to $559, reflecting increased client engagement and deeper wallet share rather than just customer acquisition.

AI and Personalization: The company's AI-powered tools, such as Stitch Fix Vision and the AI Style Assistant, enhance customer experience and decision-making, contributing to higher transaction values and loyalty.

Stock Performance and Valuation: Stitch Fix shares have increased by 30.4% year-to-date, while trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 0.56X, significantly lower than the industry average, and currently holds a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

DICK'S Sporting Goods Performance: DICK'S Sporting Goods reported a 5.7% increase in comparable sales for Q3 fiscal 2025, driven by strong demand in footwear, apparel, and hardlines, alongside strategic store expansions and a robust e-commerce presence.

Store Expansion and Innovation: The company opened 13 House of Sport locations and six Field House stores, enhancing customer engagement and partnerships with national brands, while also introducing new product categories like trading cards through Fanatics.

Financial Outlook: DICK'S raised its full-year guidance, expecting comps growth of 3.5–4% and EPS of $14.25–$14.55, reflecting confidence in its product assortment and holiday execution despite a fluid macro environment.

Market Position and Valuation: DICK'S shares have outperformed industry averages, trading at a forward P/E of 14.43X, which is lower than the industry average, presenting a compelling investment opportunity in the retail sector.