American consumers will be focused on saving, not shopping in 2010, and this trend will be compounded by the fact that unemployment will remain unusually high next year, according to the latest research from Plunkett Research Ltd.

Plunkett's Retail Industry Almanac, 2010 edition, also identifies these major trends affecting the retail industry:
  • Apparel stores will work with designers to create enticing merchandise at lower price points.
  • Discounting and discount stores will lead the industry.
  • Category-killers and big-box retailers will struggle to keep up with discounters.
  • Bricks, clicks and catalogs will create synergies while online sales grow.
  • Self-service retail technologies will take off.
  • Retailers will find new markets in China and seek partners in India for future growth.
  • Lifestyle centers and super-regional malls will falter. Mall glut hurts investors.
  • Shopping center tenants will face slow sales. Store closings force landlords to become creative. Vacancies will be very high.
"2010 will be a very challenging environment for retailers," Plunkett Research Chief Executive Officer Jack W. Plunkett said in a media release. "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."

Plunkett Research provides industry trends analysis and market research for such industries as healthcare, e-commerce, computers, energy and utilities, entertainment, renewable energy and telecommunications.

Source : National Jeweler Network