About the Book
Provides informed analysis of the evolution of the US retail industry, as well as prognostications of future developments. The survey period includes historical trends in American retailing from 1992 to 1996, with forecast developments to the year 2001. The text covers changes in industry strucutre, market concentration, consumer lifestyles and the impact of retail technology have been assessed to emphasize opportunities and barriers to growth and entry into the retailing market. To compliment this broad view, a detailed analysis of leading retailers in the US, and their activities in the marketplace is included. The survey covers nearly all segments of retailing in both durable and non-durable goods, excluding only automobile dealers, gasoline service stations, and eating and drinking establishments.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: scope of the report, structure of the report, retail sector coverage, retail sector definitions, research methodology. Section 1 Executive summary: GDP trends, inflation, unemployment, consumer expenditure trends, population trends, household characteristics, demographic trends, social trends affecting retail behaviour, retail sales trends, sectoral trends, changes in the competitive landscape, competitive margins, retial infrastructure developments, impact of the Internet, competitive strategies, prospects to 2001, summary recommendations to the retailing industry; Section 2 Operating environment: GDP trends, inflation, unemployment, consumer expenditure, population,, household structures, demographics, social trends affecting retail behaviour; Section 3 Retail trends: introduction, summary of key trends, broad sector analysis, broad sector sales growth, analysis of retail sector shares, analysis by type of outlet, changes in the competitive landscape, competitive margin comparisons, factors affecting shopping habits; Section 4 Strategic developments in the distribution infrastructure: overview, outlet centres, malls and emerging retail power centres, wholesaling; Section 5 Technology developments: overview, current technology situation, near-future technology situation, EPOS, database development and marketing, the Internet; Section 6 Corporate strategies: introduction, clothing and footwear, appliance and general electronics, department, discount and variety stores, drugstores, food stores, hardware, furniture and home furnishings, stationery and office supply stores, other retailers; Section 7 Retailer profiles: rationale, American Stores Company, Best Buy Co. Inc., Circuit City Stores Inc., Home Depot Inc., The Kroger Company, Lands'End Inc., The Limited Inc., The Men's Wearhouse Inc., The Neiman Marcus Group, Oshman's Sporting Goods Inc., Pier 1 Imports Inc., Ralph Grocery Company, Sears, Roebuck & Company, TJX Companies Inc., Toys "R" Us Inc., Walgreen Co., Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Woolworth Corp.; Section 8 Future outlook: forecast trends, credible scenarios, retail sales to 2001.
