Retail Growth to Remain Stable, Omnichannel Key In 2017

U.S. retail sales excluding automobiles and gasoline is expected to grow 3-4% in 2017, according to the Fitch Ratings Outlook, consistent with the 3.8% growth Fitch predicted for 2016. The analysts at Fitch predict that more than half of such retail growth will occur online, while in-store growth will account for just 1% of the gains. Fitch Ratings predicts Dollar Tree, Burlington Stores, Levi Strauss, Coach and J.C. Penney are on a positive trajectory in 2017, while Sears, Claire’s Stores, Gymboree, Abercrombie & Fitch, Vince and Bon-Ton Stores will face significant challenges next year.

Key Takeaways:

• U.S. retail sales excluding automobiles and gasoline is expected to grow 3-4% in 2017, according to the Fitch Ratings Outlook, consistent with the 3.8% growth Fitch predicted for 2016.
• The analysts at Fitch predict that more than half of such retail growth will occur online, while in-store growth will account for just 1% of the gains.
• Those that find success have invested in the omnichannel model and have differentiated their products and customer service to draw customers in.”

“The report notes that retailers are facing a shift in customer shopping habits and have responded by almost universally moving to omni channel models in an effort to best serve today’s retail customers.”

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