Retail Sector

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this sector sell a wide range of products to consumers and businesses, from food and apparel to hardware, household goods, and office supplies. Major companies include Costco, Kroger, and Walmart (all based in the US); as well as ALDI and Schwarz Gruppe (Germany); Carrefour (France); and Tesco (UK).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The internet and increasing consumer connectivity are transforming the retail sector, with physical stores losing market share to online operators. Even segments once assumed to be relatively safe from online competition, such as grocery and auto parts retail, are facing increasing competition from e-tailers (especially Amazon) and reimagining their businesses in response. The US industry is fragmented; the 50 largest companies account for about 40% of revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major components of the retail sector include retail sales of automobiles (account for about 35% of revenue), medicines and supplements (about 10%), food (about 15%), and hardware tools and clothing (about 5% each).