Coach owner Tapestry rides on Tabby handbags demand to beat estimates

By Juveria Tabassum

(Reuters) -Tapestry beat analysts' expectations for fourth-quarter results on robust demand for its popular Coach Tabby handbags, signaling interest in affordable luxury as global spending eases from post-pandemic highs.

The company's shares rose 8% in early trading on Thursday.

Tapestry has banked on Tabby shoulder bags to drive more full-price sales at its stores, as Stuart and Kate Spade struggle with weak demand in the U.S. and China.

Tabby handbags, with their detachable straps and textured pebbled leather material, have become a hot pick among Gen Z and Millennials. The bags retail for up to $750.

Meanwhile, global luxury giants such as LVMH, Burberry and Gucci owner Kering are grappling with signs of customers pulling back on purchases after a strong run over the past two years.

"There is a view that luxury is fading but there were winners in luxury as well," said Simeon Siegel, managing director of equity research at BMO Capital Markets.

"We are seeing divergence across the retail spectrum in a way that we didn't see in the pandemic. That is a good thing if you are good operator. Perhaps less so if you are not," he added.

Ralph Lauren and Canada Goose also beat estimates from a focus on full-price sales.

Meanwhile, Tapestry said on Friday it expects to close the Capri deal this year.

In April, the U.S. antitrust regulator sued to block the company's $8.5 billion buyout of Michael Kors parent Capri on concerns it would "eliminate" direct competition.

Last week, Capri reported a 12% fall in first-quarter revenue on a constant currency basis, its seventh consecutive quarter of sales drop.

There is "significant work to do" to reinvigorate Capri's business following the results, executives said on a post-earnings call.

Tapestry's adjusted profit per share of 92 cents and net sales of $1.59 billion both beat estimates, according to LSEG data.

(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)