Money never sleeps they say but it certainly slumbers. Hit with a loss of energy stocks slipped a second successive session as sellers reclined in a La-Z-Boy (LZB) (-14.26%) before jumping into Bed Bath and Beyond (BBBY) (-3.25%). Apparently even Gordon Gekko last seen in need of arrest now requires a rest especially as today he is officially old. Alas even stuffing money into mattresses ain’t fail safe since Simmons’ night time reading is about to include an eleventh chapter.Meanwhile eyes were mostly moist in Steel City and not solely due to tear gas after Pittsburgh’s pride Alcoa (AA) ...

If you step foot into my apartment back in the US you might get the impression that I’m a major shareholder in Pier 1 Imports (PIR). Each room is decked out in Pier 1 furniture and decorations: the wall hangings my bed frame my dishes -- all Pier 1. But I’m not a major shareholder. In fact I’ve never owned any piece of the furniture retailer. That’s because there’s a distinct difference between brand and operational structure. From a consumer standpoint I obviously really like the products. It’s classic yet modern style and moderate pricing level is appealing. Its business ...

Streamlining operations to cut costs has helped La-Z-Boy report two back-to-back positive earnings surprises.

Minyan Morning Memo One to watch: I admit to having something of a soft spot for Gap (GPS) since we’re both about to turn 40. (They appear to have aged better; I guess it’s all in the genes). Thus the company’s frequent fashion missteps over the past decade pains me. America’s largest specialty apparel retailer is out with earnings after the close. Gap’s second quarter EPS is expected to be $0.32 presumably on a GAAP basis. See also Five Reasons Gap Stock is a Perfect Fit.After it’s Khaki clad pomp of the 1990’s faded the company reinvented itself more often than ...

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