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Show Dozen Top Experts See Changes In Future of Retailing A dozen leading U.S. retailers were brought together recently in Tarrytown, N.Y., to discuss social and economic issues likely to affect retailing during the rest of this century. They discussed 62 significant issues which have a direct on the future of retailing. Their opinions and conclusions were tabulated and sent to newspapers by the Bureau of Advertising in New York City. bearing Among issues discussed were: Downtown shopping The future of downtown shopping, according to the retailers, is tied up with how people get to the stores and to their jobs. The transportation facilities of tomorrow will have a vital effect on store location and operation. A majority of the retailers thought that massive government aid would revitalize public transportation and cut passenger car use by as much as 25 percent. Work week Eight out of 10 retailers felt that the work week will happen by the late 1980s and 3 out of 5 thought it would have considerable impact on their businesses. The shorter work week might increase the market for leisure merchandise. It has already changed store opening hours, said the retailers. four-da- y Store hours Some retailers predicted the possibility of substores staying open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but few felt this would become a reality in as many as a third of the nations department stores. Longer store hours, the retailers said, might add to the difficulty of getting and holding good store personnel. For the first time in U.S. history, a Working women majority (52 percent) of women between 18 and 64 are now employed, the retailers were told. Four out of five retailers felt that that figure would rise to 65 percent by 1987. Some indicated that this would probably upgrade womens fashions. Few retailers believed that labor costs, Labor costs could be despite new technology and more reduced from todays level of 19 percent of total department and speciality store operating costs. e, A majority of the retail panelists Cable TV systems felt that 50 percent of the nations homes will have cable TV by the early 1990s. Most believed that by then almost all homes on the cable will be able to see merchandise displayed, and through some feedback method, make inquiries about it and place orders. The total volume of general merchandise in all types of stores is expected to double sold by by 1990, the retailers speculated. Seven out of 10 said this development would have considerable impact affecting shrinkage controls, store layout, fixtures and promotion. Self-servi- self-servi- Shopping in the future may be done at home, using cable TV. Retailers predict that merchan- A significant minority of the Outside store selling panel believed that as much as a third of all general merchandise business will be done outside the store, through the use of catalogs, mail or phone, by 1984. dise will be shown over screen and orders placed through a feedback system. merchanise business. They felt that the furniture warehouse retailer poses a real threat to the traditional, established furniture store or 0 that these warehouse stores department, and by will quadruple their share of the $712 billion furniture market. mid-198- National credit With the rise of selling, the retailers stated, pressure will increase for a unified national s credit and banking system. believed this would occur by 1989. Two-third- The retailers felt a national credit and banking system could erode store loyalty, but it could also reduce operating costs and increase sales. Home deliveries Department stores will stop making free home deliveries and instead provide independent delivery service charged to the customer, the retailers said. Three out of four panelists believed this would happen by 1981. Seventy percent of the retailers felt furniture and department stores would fight this competition by joining it. Some already have their own warehouse retail facilities. Two out of three of the panelists Department stores felt that within 10 years department store branches will be set up as speciality stores rather than with a full merchandise line that includes housewares, furniture and major appliances. Half the panel speculated that by Speciality stores speciality stores will increase their share of the 40 to 60 percent. general merchandise market mid-198- Profit squeeze Most retailers felt stores would deal with this by cutting operating costs and increasing productivity, and by reducing unprofitable items, departments and services. Discount business that discounters will The retailers opined that by do 25 percent of the total 1986 general 0 jjom Retail services The retailers felt that service will increase, and customers will be given what they want. Retailers are alreading providing theater tickets and insurance, and the leasing of cars, appliances and furniture will increase SALE AUTHENTIC 1978 26, WHY OWN A TIMBERLINE STOVE? Unlike conventional fireplaces or heat stoves, the Timberline needs very little oxygen. The combustion design turns wood into o charcoal condition therefore, heat is generated by coals and gases, not primarily by the flame. 20 OFF PLUS BIG SAVINGS JASPER SCRIMSHAW Other Agate Jewelry & The Timberline is actually three appliances in one: a romantic fireploce, a home heater, and a cooking stove. Totally welded V4" steel, with heavy cast iron doors makes the Timbenine on stove. 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