Tag - Ges

If you peruse magazine stands, there’s no question that the number of women’s fashion publications significantly outnumber the number of magazines geared toward men. By the same token, the number of actual women’s retailers is by far higher than the number of men’s retailers.

When it comes to clothing, many would argue that it’s more difficult to attract the male consumer than his female counterpart, but such disparities are precisely some of the reasons why those men’s retailers that have managed to be successful in attracting, and keeping, a steady clientele may be among the most attractive stocks today.

A prime example is Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc., (Nasdaq: JOSB) The 102-year-old Hampstead, Md.-based company has had a growth spurt in the past decade. Since its brush with bankruptcy in the late 1980s following a leveraged buyout, the firm has been fine-tuning its marketing and growing its retail locations with positive results. Of the chain's 400 stores, nearly two-thirds have been built since 1999.

Jos. A Bank engages in the designing, retailing and marketing nationally of men's accessories, and tailored and casual clothing. Besides its retail stores, the firm also sells its products via catalogs and the Internet.

Several analysts believe the stock is more than a little undervalued. In fact, shares hit a new 52-week low of $26.21 Monday, just weeks after the company reported a 1.4% increase in comparable-store sales for September as other retailers reported mixed results. On Wednesday, shares closed at $26.60. The company’s 52-week high is $46.16, established on June 12.