This apparel market is so confusing. We know that retail sales were terrible for most companies. But we also know that suppliers to retail, notably VF Corp. (VFC), Ralph Lauren (RL), Jones Apparel (JNY), and now Warnaco (WRC) all produced great numbers. It's a little odd when you think that the very best retailers are not selling goods, but the companies that make the goods are doing terrifically.

This apparel market is so confusing. We know that retail sales were terrible for most companies. But we also know that suppliers to retail, notably VF Corp. (VFC), Ralph Lauren (RL), Jones Apparel (JNY), and now Warnaco (WRC) all produced great numbers. It's a little odd when you think that the very best retailers are not selling goods, but the companies that make the goods are doing terrifically.

Of these, I vastly prefer Jones, because it is in the first month of its relationship with Wal-Mart (WMT).

This apparel market is so confusing. We know that retail sales were terrible for most companies. But we also know that suppliers to retail, notably VF Corp. (VFC), Ralph Lauren (RL), Jones Apparel (JNY), and now Warnaco (WRC) all produced great numbers. It's a little odd when you think that the very best retailers are not selling goods, but the companies that make the goods are doing terrifically.

As an aside, by the way, the merchandising side of Martha Stewart (MSO) is doing quite well, too.