One myth is that older Americans are much more interested in shedding furniture and housewares than in buying them because most are empty-nesters. The reality: Older consumers account for more than 40% of the money spent on new household furnishings and equipment in the U.S. In part, this is because two-thirds of the owners of second homes are at least 50 years old, and need couches, tables and cutlery for those getaway places. In addition, one in six families headed by a person over 50 has a member under 18, as more people have children at later ages. At the same time, the recession undoubtedly is forcing more 25-year-olds and 40-year-old single parents to rethink the charms of their parents' homestead. Bottom line: Older consumers will keep trudging off to Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), Target (TGT), Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) and Ikea for years.

Bed Bath and Beyond's bargain-priced home furnishings and giftware have helped the company keep its margins healthy even in this economy.

We'll see how they do when they report earnings on September 23.

Stock Wrap: The Real Story, April 8: Stocks in New York had a volatile session Wednesday before closing higher, paced by gains in technology shares. Click here to watch the video.

"Anyway, earnings aren't so hot, with Alcoa (AA) probably offsetting Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), although it is nice to see the latter rebound after heavy inventory liquidation of rival Linens & Things, similarly to Best Buy (BBY) once Circuit City dropped off. And as for Alcoa? I wish it would report next week, then no one would even care about this miserable company." ("Next, Fix the Insurers," 4-8-09)

I would sell Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), too, as I think that Linens & Things can flood the market with goods.

Bed, Bath & Beyond (BBBY) was downgraded from Neutral to Underweight, JP Morgan said. Estimates also cut, as the company's margins will likely pull back in the coming quarters, along with sales.

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d

long term growth

Don't confuse the ambience of the store (the shopping experience) with the simple matter of deciding whether or not to buy the stock (the financial decision). 5 year chart -- +7 points. Better than going down 7, but still. What is the catalyst to drive BBBY stock to 100? Anything? What is the compelling reason to buy? Is there one? The emperor pays no dividend.