Staples, Inc. (SPLS), OfficeMax Inc (OMX), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX): Will a Poor Back-to-School Shopping Season Spell Trouble For These Stocks?

The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX), which has been firing on all cylinders in recent quarters, could also see some pain from a slow back-to-school shopping season, if parents spend less on clothing for their school-aged children. In the Deloitte survey, those consumers with children in K-8 schooling plan to spend considerably less than they did last year.

The off-price retailer, which operates the Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx brands, recently reported a strong first quarter. Sales and diluted earnings per share rose 7% and 13% respectively, year over year.

As a result, shares now trade for nearly 20 times trailing earnings, a more lofty valuation than the broader market.

Something’s got to give

Rising fuel prices and higher taxes are two weights sitting on the shoulders of the American consumer.

What’s more, the U.S. economy, and in particular the employment market, continue to expand at a frustratingly-slow pace.

These stocks have rallied strongly to begin the year, signaling to investors and the market that all is well. The recently released Deloitte survey, however, should make investors sing a different tune. In light of the headwinds facing the U.S. consumer in time for the back-to-school shopping season, Foolish investors would be wise to take a cautious view of each of them. I’m not classifying any of these stocks as outright sells, but at the same time, future gains may be limited, so new investors may wish to look elsewhere for stocks to buy now.

Robert Ciura has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Staples.

The article Will a Poor Back-to-School Shopping Season Spell Trouble For These Stocks? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Robert Ciura.

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