Stock Split Fails to Sway Our Long-Term Thesis for Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma has carved out a modest position in what it estimates is a $750 billion global home category and an $80 billion US business-to-business industry. It has historically launched most of its brands organically in underserved segments, which has supported some brand awareness, facilitating top- and bottom-line growth. Its ability to drive business relies on customer loyalty and smart marketing and merchandising, and the firm has access to a lengthy history of customer analytics stemming from its catalog days. This should help Williams-Sonoma maintain its market share as it attempts to enter adjacent categories.