Urban Outfitters Blames Tariffs After 18% Surge in Inventory

(Bloomberg) -- Urban Outfitters Inc., the hipster apparel and gifts retailer, said the threat of tariffs forced it to receive items early from suppliers last quarter, contributing to an 18% jump in its inventory on the books.

The increase, by $79.9 million, was part of a disappointing quarter with flat sales in stores open more than a year in the U.S. company’s flagship chain. Urban Outfitters shares dove 12% in late trading.

The retailer said the inventory buildup was also due to expectations for sales growth in the holiday season and an increase in its wholesale business.

The results add to an ugly day for retailer stocks, with Home Depot Inc. and Kohl’s Corp. turning in sales numbers that fell short of analysts’ estimates. Investors are wary of any sign that consumers are refraining from spending heading into the crucial holiday season.

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To contact the reporter on this story: Crayton Harrison in New York at tharrison5@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Crayton Harrison at tharrison5@bloomberg.net, Cécile Daurat

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