India Retail News

For much of the past 25 years, the U.S. retail sector has benefited from a very favorable business environment, with a strong dollar, cheap energy and limited trade restrictions stimulating sector growth. Entering 2009, however, things are looking quite different. Retailers are facing a perfect storm of volatile energy prices, unfavorable demographics and a weakening dollar —all of which are being exacerbated by a spreading global recession. The marketplace changes occurring today could dramatically transform the retail industry of tomorrow, particularly in terms of its business model.

In this article, we address the current economic environment and the fundamental changes taking place in retail. The economy is creating a set of issues — societal, governmental and ecological — that will impact retailers for many years to come. There are new realities that will reshape the sector, from a rethinking of traditional supply chain strategies to smaller, more profitable store formats and the increased desire for a seamless, multichannel experience by consumers. In the end, a more focused plan for success may be needed — a plan that focuses on the customer, maximizes technology and enhances the retail brand.