The economic downturn has dramatically altered the retail landscape, with the changes opening up new opportunities to grow market share in the process. A new Chain Store Age/Leo J. Shapiro and Associates national study of 806 consumers examines the changes in shopping behavior wrought by the recession and how retailers can capitalize on these shifts to grow market share. The study looks into how and why retail market shares are changing. Find out: • Changes in where shopping dollars are being spent since the downturn • Impact of store closings on • Factors that influence the choice of a new store • Factors that drive overall change in spending strategy • Expectations regarding more shopping changes in the year ahead The study makes clear that retailers who are waiting out the recession with the hope of resuming business as usual when the economy improves are likely to be disappointed. It provides key insights as to how retailers should position themselves now to succeed.
Chain Store Guide’s Top Company Profiles include company information, key personnel, graphics and analysis. Researched and developed by the industry experts at Chain Store Guide, Top Company Profiles are your onestop source for market intelligence, sales tools and industry analysis.
Each Top Company Profile also includes an Excel spreadsheet containing all of the company’s individual store locations with name, address, phone number, store number and CBSA (Core Based Statistical Area).
The following Top Company Profiles are available:
Chain Store Age’s Store Construction & Outfitting Survey is an annual report on retail building activity. The survey, which contains results from chains whose stores generated a combined total of $176.6 billion in 2008 sales, details construction costs, store size, expansion plans, energy use and expenditures for physical support systems. Data broken down by: •All Stores •Convenience Stores •Supermarkets •Home Centers •Specialty Apparel Stores •Big-Box Stores(includes deparment stores) Detailed data includes: •Company expansion •Construction costs •Cost per square foot, average life span and other information pertaining to physical support systems (flooring, ceiling, fixtures, lighting, signage, roofing, floor maintenance, HVAC and exterior signage) •Energy costs •Remodel plans
What will it take to turn consumers into buyers during these difficult economic times? A September 2008 study by Chain Store Age and Leo J. Shapiro & Associates of 21 different incentives reveals which ones are most effective at stimulating retail sales. The new study, “New Age Buying Incentives,” is based on interviews with 800 households in 36 states representing 83% of the U.S. household population. Incentives studied included promises of savings and service. Many consumers have been forced to rely on opportunities to save money to maintain their standard of living. The findings of this study demonstrate what is now at stake in retail promotional programs and, more importantly, can assist retailers and vendors in designing programs that are likely to achieve a competitive edge. The study separates customer incentives for small and big ticket purchases. Also measured were consumer responses to different media.
Find out which companies are the largest U.S. retailers. Compare their sales, earnings and store growth year over year. Data based on 2007 revenues. Analysis includes detailed financial comparisons of specific publicly held retail companies segregated by retail category.
Chain Store Age’s Store Construction & Outfitting Survey is an annual report on retail building activity. The survey, which contains results from chains whose stores generated a combined total of $256 billion in 2007 sales, details construction costs, store size, expansion plans, energy use and expenditures for physical support systems. Data broken down by: •All Stores •Drug Stores •Supermarkets •Department Stores •Home Centers •Specialty Apparel Stores •Big-Box Stores Detailed data includes: •Company expansion •Construction costs •Cost per square foot, average life span and other information pertaining to physical support systems (flooring, ceiling, fixtures, lighting, signage, roofing, floor maintenance, HVAC and exterior signage) •Energy costs •Remodel plans
Shopping is becoming a more risky business, what with product recalls and focus on environmental issues and energy conservation, among other concerns. So the question becomes, which retailers do consumers trust? And why?
A new study by Chain Store Age and Leo J. Shapiro& Associates reveals how trust is influencing consumers and their choice of stores. The September 2007 survey of 837 consumers provides data on specific activities that affect the trust retailers must build to secure patronage.
This study can help retailers and suppliers think about the problem of trustworthiness and help them review operations and merchandising opportunities to build consumer confidence.
Green, sustainable, environmental initiatives have captured headlines. Retailers and consumer product suppliers have rushed in to provide eco-friendly products. But the green movement is not confined to consumer goods. Retailers are working overtime to develop strategies to integrate green practices into their store designs and operational departments. This August 2007 study of 822 consumers age 16 and older dissects the "double-edged" sword green initiatives entail. Find out what consumers feel about different tactics being employed. Discover the danger that lies in disappointing consumers. This study is a guide to retailers for prioritizing actions taken to achieve greenness, as well as what can be expected from consumers in response to their efforts. The 184-page report is based on a national sample of 822 consumers interviewed in August 2007. PDF-format report includes shopper data based on gender, age, household income and more.
Find out which companies are the largest U.S. retailers. Compare their sales, earnings and store growth year over year. Data based on 2006 revenues. Analysis includes detailed financial comparisons of specific publicly held retail companies segregated by retail category.
Retailers’ customer constituencies are being jeopardized by accelerating prices as shoppers prowl the retail landscape in the hope of controlling the impact of inflation on the family budget.
This June 2007 national survey of 812 consumers age 16 or older reveals attitudes towards retailers and their pricing strategies. Findings are provided by type of retail outlet, e.g, food stores, department stores, drug stores.
The report also rates specific retailer efforts to protect consumers from inflation. Companies studied include:
The 124-page report is based on a national sample of 812 consumers interviewed in June 2007. PDF-format report includes shopper data based on gender, age, household income and more.
Chain Store Age’s Store Construction & Outfitting Survey is an annual report on retail building activity. The survey, which contains results from chains whose stores generated a combined total of $268 billion in 2006 sales, details construction costs, store size, expansion plans, energy use and expenditures for physical support systems. Data broken down by: •All Stores •Drug Stores •Supermarkets •Department Stores •Home Centers •Specialty Apparel Stores •Big-Box Stores Detailed data includes: •Company expansion •Construction costs •Cost per square foot, average life span and other information pertaining to physical support systems (flooring, ceiling, fixtures, lighting, signage, roofing, floor maintenance, HVAC and exterior signage) •Energy costs •Remodel plans
Every retailer strives for the best return on investment. Tens of billions of dollars are spent every year to build and renovate stores. What do consumers consider important? How will a remodel affect their shopping? This May 2007 nationally study of 809 U.S. consumers age 16 and older provides insight into how shoppers react to a host of store variables, including: · Store layout · Restrooms · Fitting rooms · Background music · Noise and temperature levels · Illumination · Fixtures and signing · In-store television screens · Store staff · Advertising · Store exterior · Floors and ceilings
This study takes an in-depth look at consumer attitudes towards the lighting, fitting rooms and flooring used by retailers inside stores. Responses are based on telephone interviews with 813 U.S. Consumers age 16 and older. The study was conducted by Chain Store Age and Leo J. Shapiro & Associates. This report includes shopper data based on geographic variations, demographics and more. This study is essential reading for anyone involved in marketing, store planning, design and construction.
The bane of every customer interaction for retailers is the checkout experience. A new Chain Store Age/Leo J. Shapiro and Associates national study of 812 consumers dissects the checkout experience. Find out:
This study is essential reading for anyone involved in the store transaction process. All data is segmented by gender of respondent, household size, employment, age and household income levels.
Retailers who ignore shoppers’ sensitivity to time do so at their own peril. This study spotlights the influence of time on shopping decisions. It demonstrates how acutely aware customers are of the time they spend in stores and in the time they spend shopping. The Chain Store Age/Leo J. Shapiro and Associates study is based on 877 telephone interviews with a national sample of households conducted in October 2006. The study provides data on: · The effort that shoppers are making to conserve time in different retail shopping environments · The rate of spending in different kinds of retail stores · Dollars spent per minute of shopping time in each store type · Satisfaction in relation to how quickly shoppers spend their money Shopping time is perhaps the most overlooked decision factor in retailing. This study sheds light on how time plays a role overall and its shopping influence for a range of retail formats.
By Mona Doyle, Founder and Director, The Consumer Network Panel and Ellen Neuborne & The Editors of EPM Communications Americans and food. Few relationships cause as much agita for consumers‹and for the retailers and marketers trying to reach them. "Profiles Of The U.S. Food Shopper" combines the best qualitative and quantitative research to give you a detailed understanding of U.S. food shopping trends, behavior and attitudes. "Profiles" is generously peppered with hundreds of verbatim anecdotes grabbed from the mouths of Mona Doyle's long-running Consumer Network Panel. They talk openly about the supermarkets, fast food and fast casual restaurants, take-out, supercenters and other venues where they buy food. You'll learn what they love (and hate) about the food- shopping experience. In addition, "Profiles" aggregates research statistics from 47 organizations to paint a dramatic picture quantifying food shopping attitudes and behaviors that point to 17 key trends transforming the food business.
Ever wonder how well executives are compensated in the specialty apparel retail industry? The 2006 Specialty Apparel Compensation Report© provides salary and equity/long-term incentive compensation. The study is based on data collected from 122 private and public retail companies concerning 23 executive positions The 22-page report includes: · Nationwide Base Salaries and Average Bonuses · Compensation Comparisons by system sales and number of retail outlets · Equity/Long-Term Incentive Overview · Benefits overview The report was compiled by HVS International and Chain Store Age.
Each of the individual top 50 Hispanic markets is available. Retail and foodservice area store counts and market share, detailed demographic data, media contacts, and country of origin charts are just a portion of the fields contained within each market. Each market contains:
"The retailer that stands still in the domestic market and fears to venture forth to new markets is probably doomed to extinction." That's what Douglas J. Tigert, Professor Emeritus of Retail Marketing, Babson College, and Ray R. Serpkenci, PH.D and principal of Retailing Research Strategy Group, write in their new study, Key Global Trends in Retailing. This study is essential reading for anyone involved in corporate strategic direction.
Find out which companies are the largest U.S. retailers. Compare their sales, earnings and store growth year over year. Data based on 2005 revenues. Analysis includes detailed financial comparisons of specific publicly held retail companies segregated by retail category.
Chain Store Age’s Store Construction & Outfitting Survey is an annual report on retail building activity. The survey, which contains results from chains whose stores generated a combined total of $286.2 billion in 2005 sales, details construction costs, store size, expansion plans, energy use and expenditures for physical support systems. Data broken down by: •All Stores •Drug Stores •Supermarkets •Department Stores •Home Centers •Specialty Apparel Stores •Big-Box Stores Detailed data includes: •Company expansion •Construction costs •Cost per square foot, average life span and other information pertaining to physical support systems (flooring, ceiling, fixtures, lighting, signage, roofing, floor maintenance, HVAC and exterior signage) •Energy costs •Remodel plans
2006 FITCH Study of Consumer-Centric Retail So what is a consumer-centric retail experience, and which chains are providing the best? In order to find out, FITCH partnered with CHAIN STORE AGE to conduct a quantitative study of consumers’ favorite retailers. We invite you to discover feedback from thousands of consumers across the United States about which retailers they love and why. Inside, you’ll find a definitive explanation of what comprises a retail experience, our proprietary model outlining the types of retail and consumer experiences, results of our survey revealing the most-shopped retailers, as well as qualitative highlights of consumers’ favorite and most unique experiences. Finally, we provide insights into why some chains are building leads on others in areas of brand marketing and in-store experience-making. You’ll find actionable insights that you can use to emphasize your company’s distinct positioning and offer, and to help you create customized experiences for your target consumers.
This study examines the public's attitude toward three types of big-box stores:
The 125-page report is based on a national sample of 800 households interviewed in February 2006. PDF-format report includes shopper data based on gender, age, household income and more.
Many variables determine where customers choose to shop. Increasingly, security and an overall feeling of safety are becoming more important to them.
This study examines the importance U.S. consumers place in safety issues relative to where they choose to shop. The study examines the public’s attitudes toward safety in stores and shopping centers as well as the anxiety associated with Internet shopping and possible identity theft or fraud.
The study was conducted jointly by Chain Store Age and Leo J. Shapiro and Associates. Data was collected in November 2005 from 877 U.S. consumers age 16 or older.
This study is essential reading for anyone involved in strategic planning, operations, loss prevention, security and marketing.
Based on an in-depth survey of 877 consumers, age 16 and older, across the United States, this November 2005 study provides a report card on consumer attitudes towards safety while shopping and what retailers can do to make them feel safer.
One of the fastest-growing formats in the shopping center industry is lifestyle centers. This special section illustrates how retailers can flourish in this popular destination. In our first-ever lifestyle focus, we talk with some of the country’s top lifestyle developers, highlight centers under construction and on the boards, and explore leasing and design strategies.
Lift the shroud of mystery concerning what is important to shoppers in how they relate to stores. This study of 956 consumers will define how important elements such as lighting, flooring, music, in-store television, cleanliness and temperature are to shoppers in general and in specific store types. A 130-page report in PDF format with charts and tables based on a September 2005 survey.
An in-depth survey of 800 households in 10 markets that takes the first in-depth look at Sears Essentials through the eyes of consumers. Who are Sears Essentials shoppers? How often do they shop? How familiar are they with the Sears Essentials brand? This report includes shopper ratings, comparisons to Wal-Mart, Target and other retailers, geographic variations, demographics and more.
Find out which companies are the largest U.S. retailers. Compare their sales, earnings and store growth year over year. Data based on 2004 revenues. Analysis includes detailed financial comparisons of specific publicly held retail companies segregated by retail category.
The Chain Store Age Annual Retail Physical Supports Census - A survey of 123 chains' construction costs, expansion plans and store sizes. Find out how much it takes to build a store and what construction products retailers are using. Data compiled April 2005 from 123 retailers operating 41,697 stores with 2004 sales of $336.9 billion.
Each year Chain Store Age conducts it's exclusive "Retail Store of the Year" store-design competition. This package contains 4 PDF files, one report from each year from 2001 through 2004, documenting and detailing all the winners. Over 80 pages in total.
As the economy thaws, CIOs are gathering greater freedom to upgrade systems that have seen little enhancement in the years since the recession began. Chain Store Age’s 23rd Annual Survey of Retail Information Technology examines industrywide IT spending patterns and identifies the technologies where the hottest investments are taking place.
Learn how fast-growing retailers such as Family Dollar, Staples, American Eagle Outfitters, Spencer Gifts and Galyan’s Trading Co. are relying on a technology-driven company to open stores more efficiently. Integrated Store Solutions has developed proprietary, Web-based tools that expedite real-world processes from transportation to warehousing to project management. A customized "working Web site" provides real-time information for everyone involved in a project including the retailer's internal associates as well as its vendors, service providers and contractors.
BetterManagement LIVE is an annual business management conference that provides networking and personal interaction with industry peers and visionaries to better understand the challenges retailers and other industry executives face in driving profitability and efficiency when customers, merchandise and competition change daily. This eight-page report details some of those challenges and presents readers with a starting base from which they can learn from industry thought leaders in the global community.
The in-store entertainment industry takes center stage in a special supplement in the August issue of Chain Store Age. This eight-page report examines current trends and the critical role that in-store entertainment plays in today's retail environment.
In its annual survey of more than 100 retailers and suppliers, ChainLink Research examines issues as diverse as where shipments go when they first enter the country, who is responsible for the transportation, the role of total-cost-of-goods calculations, visibility infrastructures and the key to successful management of 3PLs.
Two reports: Best Practices - Data Synchronization. Store Design & Construction: Technology That Delivers. Contents of both reports: The Road to Better Data: Leveraging technology, people and experience. Creating a Common Currency. Tips When Selecting a Data Synchronization Solution Provider. Avoiding pitfalls on the path to Global Data Synchronization. Online project portfolio management works store-development wonders. Specialty retailer sees extended applications for project portfolio management. Buzzsaw helps optimize the rollout and renovation process. Software leads to success for distribution center initiative (Woolworths’). Design Approval and Execution Goes On Line at PETCO. Barnes & Noble Expedites Design Process (Bookseller saves time, cuts costs with project portfolio management service).
Autodesk. A supplement in the May issue of Chain Store Age examines the benefits of online project portfolio managment technology. The report, sponsored by Autodesk, describes how Barnes & Noble, Limited Brands, PETCO and Woolworths Ltd. are using the technology to streamline the store development process.
Special report from Chain Store Age and BearingPoint. An an extensive cross section of the retail industry (Department Store, Big Box, Specialty, Drug Store, Home Improvement Center and Supermarket retailers) were asked various inventory management viewpoint questions. Topics covered: Strategy, Vendor Relationships, Inventory Management and Measurement, Key Performance Indicators, Inventory Control and Integrity, Emerging Trends.
Special report from Chain Store Age and IMRA (International Mass Retail Association). The survey of key retail IT leaders reveals the increasingly strategic and essential nature of the technology department, and offers insight as to how corporate technology tactics will evolve during the next five years. "The technology department isn’t just about technology anymore. It’s about productivity, growing the top line, roping in revenue and increasing profits." Contents: IT bridges the perception barrier, Technology gets a corner office, The right skills at the right time, IT enhances communication with business units, Spending picks up, Onshore, offshore, nearshore, From Niagara Falls to tidal wave- Riding the wave as the pace of change picks up. Full 26-page report.
Special report by Chain Store Age. CSA teamed up with Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGE&Y) to survey over 6,000 consumers to find out which retailers best meet shoppers’ performance standards in the areas of access, price, product, service, experience and trust. What are consumers looking for from their shopping experience? Which retailers are delivering the right kind of experience? And what will it take for the laggards to transform their instore experience to meet the needs of today’s demanding shoppers?
Retailers know there is a link between a store’s atmosphere and its financial performance. Intangible details ranging from lighting to music to visual messaging all play an interconnected role in improving the shopping experience, building customer traffic and, ultimately, lifting sales. This is a special retail study by Chain Store Age and DMX MUSIC, conducted by Leo J. Shapiro and Associates. It provides important new insight into how shoppers respond to atmospheric elements, both consciously and unconsciously, and the extent of the connection between "store atmospherics" and the store’s performance.
In its annual survey of more than 130 leading retailers and manufacturers, ChainLink Research, Inc. explores the perspective from both sides of the trading-partner link to uncover differences in perception and reveal the myths and the realities. "Managing the Trading-Partner Link Is the Key to Success."
Chain Segment Performace for FY2002 (published August 2003). Look at data for just the top chains, grouped by segment. Chain Segments covered: Women's Apparel, Off-Price Apparel, Youth Apparel, Convenience Stores, Department Stores, Full-Line Discount Stores, Limited-Assortment Discount Stores, Drug Stores, Hard Lines, Home Centers, Nonstore (Catalog), Supercenters, Supermarkets. Data-points: Total Sales, % Chg Sales, % Chg Op Inc, Op Inc as % of Sales, Avg Sales per Store, % Chg Comp-Stores, Op Inc as % of Total Inc.
This special report from Chain Store Age and Nation's Restaurant News contains: "Seeing Things in the Right Light" by Marianne Wilson, New Twist for Solid-Surface Material, Video Art At Holt’s Café Remotely: managed system enhances ultra-contemporaty theme, Fresh Message: Rubio's, Ozon: A Cool Spot for Kids, Electrical Products: Smart Choices Pay Off; Controls on kitchen hoods provide 'as needed' ventilation at TGI Friday’s, Plumbing: Eliminating the Human Touch; Hands-free plumbing fixtures are a popular rest-room trend, Doors: An Opening for Design; Entrance issues worth considering, Making Door Mats Matter.
Exclusive report by Chain Store Age. Contents: Check Strategies by the Numbers: Successful check strategies are measured in approvals, declines, dollars and cents. Gaining Acceptance in the Real World: From Sears to 7-Eleven, retailers employ a variety of solutions to boost sales and limit fraud. To Catch a Thief: An example of the human element of loss prevention. Fraud; The Toughest Competition: Yesterday's systems are no match for today’s thieves. [and more]