Other Specialty Retail
Case studies in other specialty retail.
1-800-FLOWERS.COM — How Should Marketing Savings Be Deployed?
1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (FLWS) had prioritized marketing effectiveness and profitability over near-term growth. E-commerce orders fell, even as average order value rose. In parts of the business, contribution economics improved while revenue declined. Read case
Academy Sports + Outdoors: Where Should the Next Capital Go?
On September 9, Academy Sports + Outdoors reported that second-quarter fiscal 2026 net sales increased 3.0%, even as comparable sales slipped 0.4%. Comparable transactions fell 5.3%, while average ticket rose 4.9%. E-commerce sales also grew, though the release and 10-Q reported different growth rates. Read case
Tractor Supply: Is the “Life Out Here” Growth Model Still on Track?
In July 2026, Tractor Supply Company (Tractor Supply) lowered its fiscal-year outlook after reporting a decline in comparable-store sales for the second quarter. The company also withdrew the long-term financial framework it had introduced in 2024 and said it planned to provide an updated framework with its fourth-quarter results. Read case
Ulta Beauty — Where Should Growth Capacity Go?
On October 16, Ulta Beauty set out a new three-year plan: open 200 net new stores, work toward a long-term U.S. footprint of 1,800 or more stores, and grow Ulta Beauty Rewards to 50 million members by 2028. The company described four connected priorities—assortment, experience, access and loyalty—and reiterated its financial targets. Read case