Exclusive Research: Gift Retailer Survey for 2011
51% of stores expects sales to decline in 2011
Dana French -- Gifts and Dec, 8/17/2011 11:51:34 AM
Gifted Retailer Survey
Today's gift retailers are bracing for another tough retail climate. Fifty-five percent of stores who responded say total 2011 sales will be down from last year. Another third think they'll be about the same and an optimistic 11% think overall sales will increase this year.
According to retailers, the biggest challenge in this economy continues to be the low consumer confidence due to high unemployment levels and fuel costs. As one store mentioned, the most difficult thing is "decreased traffic from consumers who don't want to temp themselves." And, another store finds it challenging to "keep up the energy and keep her staff motivated."
This year's exclusive survey results, collected during March and April and based on the mailed and online responses of gifts and decorative accessories retailers, represent more than 700 storefronts. Nearly three-fifths of the responding retailers describe themselves as gift specialists and 20% are classified as home accessories stores. Other retailers responding include hospital gift shops, florists, stationery specialists, toy or hobby shops, bookstores, museum stores and hardware and garden shops.
For the complete article, see the June 2011 print edition of Gifts & Decorative Accessories, or click here for the exclusive online report.
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