Apple's iPhone 8 Launch Likely To Hurt...Shoe Retailers?

Consumer trends are fickle, and even the most strategic of retailers are occasionally bested by them. Canaccord Genuity expects the capricious beast — coupled with policy changes and the continued closure of retail stores — to inspire vast volatility in the 2017 retail market.

Here are five trends analysts consider significant to investment portfolios:

No. 5: iPhone 8

The September launch of Apple Inc. AAPL’s iPhone 8 is expected to divert investor funds from other categories, which would make “the holiday season a tough one for most retailers.” But this shouldn’t harm companies releasing highly anticipated products of their own, such as Foot Locker, Inc. FL.

No. 4: E-Commerce

As retailers struggle to make sales amid the continued boom of online shopping and errand-deterring weather trends, analysts expect department stores to place inventory risk on vendors. Bolstered by this trend are companies that can adapt seasonally without accruing inventory risk, such as Steve Madden, Ltd. SHOO.

No. 3: Sporting Goods Stores

Sporting goods stores will continue to feel the disruption of unexpectedly prolonged bankruptcies and lingering inventory of the warm winter of 2015. Nevertheless, Canaccord anticipates a positive performance by Dicks Sporting Goods Inc DKS and a second-quarter rebound by Under Armour Inc UA UAA.

No. 2: Denim And Athleisure

Based on 2016 trends, denim is poised to make a fashion comeback and supplant the long-reigning style of athleisure wear. Analysts anticipate a deceleration in athleisure growth from 7 percent to 4 percent, and Lululemon Athletica inc. LULU is a predicted casualty. Meanwhile, Canaccord expects Steve Madden to profit.

No. 1: Under Armour Over Lululemon

Lululemon might also falter from an increasingly apparent distinction between fashionable athleisure and athletic performance apparel. Based on anticipated shifts in consumer trends, Canaccord predicts Under Armour to flourish as Lululemon falls.