Introduction

This brief examines how the current economic climate and situation in the financial markets is impacting retail. It analyses the success of the discount retailers and looks at the wider impact of the credit crunch in other countries through a focus on Eastern Europe. The brief also looks at the various ways retailers can deal with the downturn and look to emerge from it as stronger businesses.

Scope

• The brief examines how the current economic downturn is impacting individual retail sectors, looking closely at clothing and home related retailers.
• The strategies open to retailers to survive and gain from the downturn are assessed. In addition, the prospects of Eastern Europe are analysed.

Performances across the sector will vary markedly those related to the housing market will be particularly badly hit while those with a clear focus on the value-seeking shopper should fare better. Surviving the downturn will not be just about cutting costs, but increasing value and quality.

The strategies that retailers adopt to deal with the downturn will depend both on their own financial position and the dynamics of the market in which they operate. Their success in coping with the approaching recession will play a pivotal role in determining their competitive position when the trading environment eventually recovers.

Reasons to Purchase

• Understand the issues impacting retailing and the individual sectors within it.
• Gain insight into how retailers can survive the downturn and emerge from it as stronger businesses.
• Assess the prospects for 2009 with this brief's forecasts for home related sectors.