Macy's, Nordstrom, ANN INC., Coach: Retailers to Watch This Holiday Season, Part 1

ANN INC. "We expect recent sales momentum — particularly at LOFT — to build into the holiday season and drive strong same-store sales results," said Kimberly Greenberger, managing director and specialty apparel retailing/softlines analyst at Morgan Stanley.

"ANN INC. locked in sourcing costs and bought inventory with a competitive promotional strategy in mind," Greenberger added.