Retailing & Chain Stores Market Research

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Retailing & Chain Stores OVERVIEW

The retail industry is undergoing transformative shifts, shaped by technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and competitive pressures.  These trends redefine how businesses operate and connect with their customers.
1.    The Evolving Role of Ecommerce
Ecommerce has solidified its dominance, with global sales reaching more than $6 trillion in 2022.  Retailers are integrating online and offline channels to create a seamless shopping experience.  For instance, Macy’s now uses brick-and-mortar stores as fulfillment hubs, reducing costs and improving efficiency.  Walmart’s micro-fulfillment centers exemplify the use of robotics and automation to expedite order processing, reinforcing ecommerce’s impact.
2.    The Growth of Private-Label Products
Private-label brands are experiencing significant growth, with U.S. sales hitting $236.3 billion in 2023.  Retailers like Kroger and Costco leverage these brands to offer quality products at competitive prices, boosting customer loyalty.  In Europe, private-label market penetration is even more pronounced, accounting for up to 50% of sales in certain countries.
3.    Innovation in Retail Technology
Cutting-edge technologies such as AI, robotics and RFID are revolutionizing inventory management and customer experience.  Amazon Go stores exemplify checkout-free shopping, while Walmart employs robotics for efficient order fulfillment.  Innovations like smart shopping carts and AI-driven inventory systems are becoming mainstream, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
4.    Direct-to-Consumer Models
Many brands bypass traditional retail channels, leveraging ecommerce to sell directly to consumers.  Companies like Everlane and Warby Parker focus on quality, transparency and competitive pricing.  This approach challenges established brands and reshapes consumer expectations around cost and service.
5.    The Rise of Experiential Retail
Retailers like Apple and Bass Pro Shops invest in immersive, showcase stores that blend shopping with unique experiences.  These spaces emphasize high-quality service and interactivity, setting a benchmark for customer engagement.  Additionally, virtual and augmented reality technologies are creating new dimensions for experiential shopping.
6.    Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Environmental and social consciousness among consumers has prompted retailers to adopt sustainable practices.  From ethical sourcing to reduced packaging, brands are aligning with consumer values, driving loyalty and market differentiation.
7.    Expansion into Emerging Markets
Retailers are tapping into opportunities in emerging economies like China and India.  These markets offer vast potential, driven by growing ecommerce adoption and increasing disposable income.  Companies like Walmart and ALDI are expanding aggressively, tailoring strategies to local preferences.
The retail landscape in 2025 is dynamic and innovation driven.  Businesses must embrace technology, sustainability and customer-centric models to thrive.  As competition intensifies, retailers that adapt quickly and efficiently will lead the charge into a new era of commerce.

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Top Companies Profiled

The following is a partial listing for this industry. As a subscriber, you will have access to the leading companies and top growth companies. This includes publicly-held, private, subsidiary and joint venture companies, on a global basis as well as in the U.S.


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PLUNKETT PROVIDES UNIQUE ANALYSIS OF THE FOLLOWING TRENDS THAT ARE DRIVING THIS INDUSTRY:

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A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms within the Retail Industry. Gain vital insights that can help shape strategy for business development, product development and investments.

Key Features:

  • Business trends analysis
  • In-depth industry overview
  • Technology trends analysis
  • Forecasts
  • Spending, investment, and consumption discussions
  • In-depth industry statistics and metrics
  • Industry employment numbers

Additional Key Features Include:

Industry Glossary

Industry Contacts list, including Professional Societies and Industry Associations

Profiles of industry-leading companies

  • U.S. and Global Firms
  • Publicly held, Private and Subsidiaries
  • Executive Contacts
  • Revenues

  • For Public Companies: Detailed Financial Summaries

  • Statistical Tables

Key Questions Answered Include:

  • How is the industry evolving?
  • How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
  • How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
  • What is the size of the market now and in the future?
  • What are the financial results of the leading companies?
  • What are the names and titles of top executives?
  • What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich report covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Retail Industry.

Plunkett Research Provides Unique Analysis of the Following Major Trends Affecting the Retail Industry

  1. Major Trends Affecting the Retail Industry

  2. Introduction to the Retail Industry

  3. Walmart Still Leads the Retail Industry, but Invests Heavily in Web Presence to Battle Amazon

  4. ALDI Scores Big Market Share in the U.S., UK and Europe with its Discount Supermarkets and Aggressive Investment/Walmart Dominates Grocery Retailing

  5. Department Stores Grow Online Sales/ Modernize Retail Approach

  6. Private Label Brands Grow in Share of Total Store Sales

  7. Diverse Selling Techniques Boost Direct Marketers and Non-Store Sales

  8. Apple Sets the Bar for Showcase Stores and Super-Merchandisers

  9. Bricks, Clicks and Catalogs Create Synergies While Online Sales Growth Surges

  10. Designers and Manufacturers Bypass the Middleman with Direct-to-Consumer Online Business Models

  11. Retail Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advance for Store Checkout and Restaurant Orders

  12. Robotics in Retailing and Ecommerce Fulfillment

  13. RFID Drives Inventory Management Evolution

  14. Smartphones and Financial Technology (FinTech) Enable New Mobile Payment Methods

  15. Self-Service Apparel Fitting Technologies Grow

  16. Retailers Look for Long-Term Growth in Emerging Markets, Including China and India

  17. Malls and Shopping Centers Adapt to new Technologies and Ecommerce

  18. Entertainment-Based Retailing, including Power Towns

  19. Malls Remodel & Update Strategies to Boost Sales and Attract Shoppers

  20. Fast Fashion: Designers and Retailers Speed Up

  21. LOHAS-Socially Conscious Consumers Create Challenges and Opportunities for Advertisers and Marketers

  22. Plus-Size and Vanity Sizing Target Overweight Consumers

  23. Demand for Home Grocery Delivery Service Such as Instacart and Amazon Fresh Soars

  24. Super Beauty Stores Combine Shopping with Personal Care Services

  25. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality and 3-D Technologies Create Opportunities for the Tech Industry/Immersion Games to Grow

  26. How to Interpret Reports of Retail Sales

Plunkett Research Provides In-Depth Tables for the Following Retail Industry Statistics

  1. U.S. Retail Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

  2. Annual Consumer Price Index, 1920-2024, U.S.

  3. Exports, General Imports & Trade Balance in Goods, U.S.: 1990-2023

  4. Total U.S. Retail Sales & Annual Percent Change: 1993 - September 2024

  5. U.S. Retail Trade Corporation Statistics, 2nd Quarter 2024

  6. Total Annual Sales of Merchant Wholesalers, U.S.: 2018-2023

  7. Retail & Food Services Sales by Kind of Business, U.S.: 2018-2023

  8. Total U.S. Disposable Income, Expenditures & Gross Domestic & National Product Per Capita: Selected Years, 1960-2023

  9. Average Annual Expenditures of All Consumer Households: 2018-2023, U.S.

  10. Distribution of Total U.S. Annual Household Expenditures, by Major Category: 2023

  11. Resident Population Estimates by Age, U.S.: 2017-2023

  12. Employment in the Retail Industry, U.S.: 2017-September 2024

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This industry onlyPublication date: Dec 2024
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-549-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-64788-057-6
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