While it’s no surprise that middle market retailers were hard hit by fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, proprietary RSM data underscores this vulnerability. One key data point highlighted a potential opportunity for retailers related to business continuity planning, however, as the initial outbreak slows. … READ MORE >
Amid chaos of coronavirus, food and beverage sector continues to adapt
The retail sales figures released this week painted a grim picture of consumer spending and the state of the economy amid the mounting human and economic toll of the coronavirus. But a deeper look at the data reveals some profound changes taking place that will most likely endure once the pandemic passes. … READ MORE >
Retailers and restaurants should consider the CARES Act
On March 27 the president signed the CARES Act into law, providing $2 trillion in aid for individuals and business throughout the United States. Great uncertainty exists within the middle market as companies scramble to determine what programs are available, whether they are eligible, and how they can take advantage … … READ MORE >
How middle market retailers can position themselves to survive coronavirus, and Amazon
Amazon’s suspension of non-essential products through at least April 5 will leave the door open for other retailers that have the flexibility to focus on the categories that shoppers will not be able to find on Amazon. … READ MORE >
Coronavirus impact on the consumer products ecosystem
In a very short period of time, the COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant impact on economies throughout the world and across all industries and sectors. The earliest stages of the U.S. consumer supply chain are heavily dependent upon China.
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Betting that size matters: Macy’s closures on trend in retail
Retail closures are not always related to underperforming stores or the downsizing of operations. In many cases, a retailer closes a location because the real estate no longer suits the intended use of physical space now and in the future. … READ MORE >
In the digital age, knowing the customer becomes all the more important
Knowing the customer has become especially important in the digital age, when a company like Amazon has leveraged its extensive use of customer data to help it become one of the nation’s largest retailers. … READ MORE >
How middle market retailers can compete with free delivery
In a recent survey from the National Retail Federation, free shipping and shipping promotions ranked fourth on the list of factors that consumers said would affect their choice of retailer. … READ MORE >
No holiday break for fashion and apparel
Fresh 15% tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods are set to take effect next week. Despite an effort to mitigate the blow amid the impending holiday season by delaying some items on the list, the apparel industry didn’t catch a break. RSM’s Chris Shaker and Carol Lapidus break down the expected impact. … READ MORE >
Retail sales stay hot, but for how long?
The July retail sales numbers released by the Commerce Department on Thursday continued to reinforce that the resilient consumer has kept the economy afloat amid trade tensions and an unstable economic environment outside of the United States. The question is, how long will it last? … READ MORE >