Crocs come to Ocean State Job Lot


Shares of Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX) have lost nearly all of their value over the past year, as the rubberized clog-like sandal shoe fad comes to a merciful end.

Adding to Crocs' problems was the proliferation of knockoffs being sold at discount stores and flea markets for a tiny fraction of what Crocs retailed for.


Now it's gotten worse: Crocs are being sold at discount stores for a tiny fraction of their retail price. This week's ad for Ocean State Job Lot, a northeastern discount chain that sells overstocks and factory seconds, advertises "These wildly popular shoes sell millions and inspire countless knockoffs. The ORIGINALS are now at Job Lot. Lots of styles & colors for men & women. $10"

That's very, very bad news for Crocs because it suggests a serious oversupply of the company's products at the retail level -- which will make it harder for the company to sell new products in the future. What retailer will order a new box of Crocs when he has so many on his hands he's dumping them at Job Lot?

The wording of this particular ad is especially scary: "Lots of styles & colors" and no mention of "Please hurry!" or "limited quantities!"

As it is, Crocs has quite a struggle to return to profitability and viability. Its auditor has suggested that it may not be able to continue operations. A network of customers already choking on excess inventory won't help matters.

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Last updated: February 09, 2012: 10:32 PM

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