Low-price retailers going chic for sales

HOUSTON, May 6 (UPI) -- Whether it's purely for fashion's sake or because of the economy, traditional low-price retailers are stocking high-end goods to draw deep-pocket shoppers.

A look by the Houston Chronicle at new trends at J.C. Penney, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart show all are looking for ways to catch more wealthy shoppers.

J.C. Penney will soon feature Sephora beauty products, made from the same France-based retailer of Louis Vuitton.

Sears has upped its luxury bedding department with a new line called Everyday Luxe, with products costing in the hundreds of dollars.

The stores have been pushing a more stylish, and expensive, clothing line too -- such as Penney's Bisou Bisou, Target's deals with designers like Isaac Mizrahi and Wal-Mart new line called Metro 7.

Some of those retailers are branching into other high-end products like electronics equipment, furniture and appliances.

Howard Davidowitz, chairman of the banking and consulting firm Davidowitz & Associates in New York, said consumer debt and gas prices are tightening the pocket books of those store's usual working class customer.

He said dollar store chains sales have dwindled.

But Dan Skoda, managing partner of D&R Consulting, said the retailers are just being competitive with each other and grabbing customers with their style, not just price.