The struggles Independent store owners are facing in the new normal
The gulf between the businesses showing a profit and those losing money daily is expected to widen dramatically.
Companies like Target, Walmart, Lowes and Dollar General that most times are in direct competition with Independent stores have been posting great profits and will be even more of a drain on Independents sales moving forward.
This is evidenced by Target’s chief executive, Brian Cornell stating that his company is benefiting from the demise of its competitors in the current “volatile environment” and they are using this momentum to dominate an area.
With the added customer benefits of in-store pick up, delivery services and adding many new private label brands they expect to see sales continue to increase as they tick up efforts to stay in step with Amazon.
Rising obstacle for struggling Independent store owners in this economic climate are the renewed fear of pandemic, administration’s new tariffs for the import of clothing, toys and many other items.
Costs for merchandise will most certainly skyrocket and put a major strain on receiving of merchandise.
The last thing that Independent store owners need in the midst of one of the toughest retail shifts many have ever seen, is a recession.
Many major retailers, with deep pockets and multiple resources filing for bankruptcy everyday.
The Independent store owner needs to seriously consider whether it may be time to close down their business before it gets even tougher to see a profit in the coming months.
The constant uncertainty is already changing how they prepare for the busy holiday period.
Amid fears of the US heading into a recession, experts can’t help but talk about the latest High-profile bankruptcies and store closures.
Their biggest burning question is this:
If big companies like Payless ShoeSource, Gymboree and Things Remembered can’t make it in this climate, how can the Independent stores survive – especially if the forecasted recession hits?
We have all witnessed over the last few years the literal gutting of some of the largest and longest established retailers in the country, more importantly, this has been happening during booming economic times.
It seems unimaginable what the fate of the Independent store owner could be faced with a slowed economy.
With the pandemic, retail disruption, volatile stock market, new tariffs and declining global economy, the American consumer will be holding back on spending and carefully assessing where to put their hard earned dollars.
Mark Cohen, director of retail studies at Columbia Business School and the former chief executive of Sears Canada says it bluntly, “If there’s another recession — and I think there will be soon — everyone gets knocked down.”
- The numbers certainly reflect his sentiment as so far – according to data from Coresight Research more than 7,500 retailers have announced closures.
There seems to be another prominent trend in the retail space that is taking shape with the newest earning season coming to a close.
Analysts say that there is little “middle ground” left within the retail industry and either businesses are showing good profits or they are struggling to hang on – that will most certainly become even more pronounced if a recession hits.