HOUSTON--Plunkett Research, Ltd. has released their newest market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Retail Industry Almanac, 2010 edition, which identifies and analyzes major trends shaping the retail industry.

According to Jack W. Plunkett, CEO of Plunkett Research, Ltd., “Consumers are focused on saving, not shopping. This trend will be compounded by the fact that unemployment will remain unusually high in 2010.”

Major trends affecting the retail industry and analyzed in Plunkett’s report include:

Apparel stores work with designers to create enticing merchandise at lower price points.

Discounting and discount stores lead the industry.

Category-killers and big box retailers struggle to keep up with discounters.

Bricks, clicks and catalogs create synergies while online sales grow.

Self-service retail technologies take off.

Retailers find new markets in China and seek partners in India for future growth.

Lifestyle centers and super-regional malls falter. Mall glut hurts investors.

Shopping center tenants face slow sales. Store closings force landlords to become creative. Vacancies are very high.

According to Jack Plunkett, “2010 will be a very challenging environment for retailers. The companies that prosper will offer compelling value to their customers, based on a combination of lasting quality, low prices and a reasonable level of customer service. Convenience will continue to be of great importance to shoppers, but they are definitely willing to drive a little further to find lower prices.”

A complete industry trends and statistics analysis is provided in Plunkett’s Retail Industry Almanac, 2010 edition. This extensive and easy-to-use report, full of rich data detailing the current trends and changes of the retail industry, is a valuable source of information. It includes retail industry trends analysis, statistics, contacts and profiles of the world’s leading retail firms.

About Plunkett Research, Ltd.

Plunkett Research is a leading provider of industry trends analysis and market research. Our reports and data services are used by the world’s top corporations, consultants, universities, libraries and government agencies. Plunkett’s products save time and effort when you need competitive intelligence, market research or marketing data. We cover such industries as healthcare, ecommerce, computers, energy and utilities, entertainment, renewable energy and telecommunications.

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