Survey: More Than Half of U.S. Retailers Said They Are Just Surviving

Generally, retailers are considered an optimistic bunch, but a new survey has revealed some sobering results about the opportunities they see ahead or the lack of them. More than half, or 54 percent, of traditional retailers say their businesses are just surviving as they head into 2019, according to the survey by accounting firm BDO of big box, department stores, discount stores and specialty retailers.BDO's survey of 300 c-suite executives found two camps: "survivors" who report being stable and breaking even, and the "thrivers," who identify as profitable and say they are experiencing robust growth."The majority of retailers are stuck in survival mode," said Natalie Kotlyar, a national leader of BDO's consumer products practice in a report released Wednesday. "Playing catch-up in perpetuity is preventing retailers from seizing new opportunities and leapfrogging the competition."  Continue reading...