Claire Tag

J. Jill is escaping the retail mire. While most retailers grapple with bloated inventories, succumb to massive markdowns, and feel increasingly nervous about Christmas, J. Jill is keeping its cool. The specialty retailer catering to middle-aged and older women has inventories above last yr, though under relative control, and moved into the black last quarter when it posted record adjusted EBITDA and better margins. J. Jill isn’t about to be lured into what’s sure to be one other promotionally charged holiday season. Having a business with a reasonably even balance of sales volume quarter to quarter makes for a “less stressful” holiday season, executives contend. The main target stays on selling at full-price “premium” casual merchandise appropriate for on the job and after-hours....