Exclusive Research: Retailers. How's Business?

82% expect sales to be same or higher in 2011

Chris Schultz -- Casual Living, 6/3/2011 10:06:28 AM

Retailers, HowIn a recent Casual Living survey, 82% of retailers said they expect sales for 2011 to be about the same or higher than in 2010. An improving economy is the reason 38% of retailers give for being hopeful about this year, while 25% say consumer confidence appears to be increasing.

However, retailers are proceeding with caution as they take steps to ensure an increased bottom line in 2011.

Casual Living's exclusive How's Business Survey for Retailers is based on responses of retailers across the United States.

Responding retailers include casual furniture specialists, hearth, patio, pool, and/or spa stores, full-line furniture stores, garden centers, direct-to-consumer retailers and gifts and accessories specialists.

Forty-six percent of responding retailers have 2011 projected sales of less than $1 million; 18% have sales between $1 million and $1.99 million; 10% between $2 million and $2.99 million; and 26% have projected year-end sales of $3 million or more.

For the complete report, see the June 2011 print issue of Casual Living, or click here for the exclusive online edition.