noomx,I think you missed my point about Buffet's US rail...

noomx,

I think you missed my point about Buffet's US rail investment. He didn't invest this year or last year, but in the 1960's when air transport was going to devour the antiquated and inflexible rail networks.

My point (as you picked up subesquently) is that the retail business (as with the rail business) is fundamentally core to the economic growth of western economies. There will be new technologies, new ways of delivering opportunities. But, the fundamentals will generally be the same over the long haul.

JBH, as with HVN and others, operate in an unloved sector of the economy at present. The strong will need to get stronger and the weak (WOW Audio, Sleep City, Dick Smith etc) will go by the wayside.

The negative sentiment will no doubt change. What I am miffed about, but will back up with a big investment, is why burn off the strong players such as JBH that have a good growth story still ahead.

Time will tell who is right. I am backing up my decision with $$'s as I am that confident it will turn around and I don't want to miss out.

Cheers