Internet & Mail-Order Retail Industry Report
Overview
The Internet and mail-order retail industry in the US includes about 20,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $270 billion. Major companies include Lands’ End, LL Bean, Amazon, Overstock, and Hanover Direct. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for about 70 percent of industry revenue. Over the past five years, the bulk of the industry's revenue has shifted from catalog to Internet sales. While most brick-and-mortar retailers have an online presence and many also offer catalog sales, this profile focuses on retailers who use the Internet or catalogs as their sole or primary sales channel.
SIC: 5961
NAICS: 454111, 454113
Sample Questions & Answers
How does the current economic environment affect the company's sales outlook?
Catalog and Internet retailers sell primarily discretionary goods and services, so demand varies with changes in personal income. Consumers delay or cut back on computers, new clothing, home furnishings, and other discretionary items when the economy...
How does the company compete with online sales by traditional retailers?
Traditional retailers are becoming the dominant online retailers by leveraging high consumer awareness. Consumers are moving to large brands that have online capability and that they're familiar with. Internet retailing has been growing rapidly.
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Internet & Mail-Order Retail Industry Report
Wholesale Sector Industry Report
Overview
The wholesale distribution industry in the US includes about 300,000 companies with combined annual sales of about $5 trillion. Large distributors include SYSCO (foods); McKesson (drugs); and Avnet (electronics). Distributors specialize by product. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest distributors generate about 25 percent of industry revenue.
SIC: 5012, 5013, 5014, 5015, 5021, 5023, 5031, 5032, 5033, 5039, 5043, 5044, 5045, 5046, 5047, 5048, 5049, 5051, 5052, 5063, 5064, 5065, 5072, 5074, 5075, 5078, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5192, 5193, 5194, 5198, 5085, 5087, 5088, 5091, 5092, 5093, 5094, 5099, 5111, 5112, 5113, 5122, 5131, 5136, 5137, 5139, 5141, 5142, 5143, 5144, 5145, 5146, 5147, 5148, 5149, 5153, 5154, 5159, 5162, 5169, 5171, 5172, 5181, 5182, 5191
NAICS: 424480, 424490, 424510, 424520, 424590, 424610, 424690, 424710, 424720, 424810, 424820, 424910, 424920, 424930, 424940, 424950, 424990, 425110, 423310, 423320, 423330, 423390, 423410, 423420, 423430, 423440, 423450, 423460, 423490, 423510, 423520, 423610, 423620, 423690, 423710, 423720, 423730, 423740, 423810, 423820, 423830, 423840, 423850, 423860, 423910, 425120, 423110, 423120, 423130, 423140, 423210, 423220, 423920, 423930, 423940, 423990, 424110, 424120, 424130, 424210, 424310, 424320, 424330, 424340, 424410, 424420, 424430, 424440, 424450, 424460, 424470
Sample Questions & Answers
How do changes in interest rates affect the company's profits?
Because many distributors finance their inventories, they're sensitive to interest rates. On average, distributors hold inventory equal to 35 days sales, but machinery distributors may hold products for more than 50 days. Food and petroleum product...
How much business has the company lost due to retailers buying directly from manufacturers?
Big retailers like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Costco buy much of their merchandise directly from manufacturers, bypassing distributors. Because they buy in large quantity and operate their own warehouse systems, these retailers don't need distributors.
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Wholesale Sector Industry Report
Retail Sector Industry Report
Overview
The US retail industry includes about 1 million outlets with combined annual revenue of about $4 trillion. Major companies include Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Kroger, Costco, and Target. While large companies dominate some retail sectors (such as mass merchandisers and grocery stores), other sectors (such as auto dealers and convenience stores) are fragmented. Many specialty retailers are single-store operations.
SIC: 5983, 5984, 5989, 5992, 5993, 5994, 5995, 5999, 7389, 5211, 5231, 5251, 5261, 5271, 5311, 5331, 5399, 5411, 5421, 5431, 5441, 5451, 5461, 5499, 5511, 5521, 5531, 5541, 5551, 5561, 5571, 5599, 5611, 5621, 5632, 5641, 5651, 5661, 5712, 5713, 5714, 5722, 5731, 5734, 5735, 5736, 5912, 5921, 5932, 5941, 5942, 5943, 5944, 5945, 5946, 5947, 5948, 5961, 5962
NAICS: 445299, 445310, 446110, 446120, 446130, 446191, 446199, 447110, 447190, 448110, 448120, 448130, 448140, 448150, 448190, 448210, 448310, 454319, 454390, 448320, 451110, 451120, 451130, 451140, 451211, 451212, 451220, 452111, 452112, 452910, 452990, 453110, 453210, 453220, 453310, 453910, 453920, 453930, 453991, 453998, 454111, 454112, 454113, 454210, 454311, 454312, 441110, 441120, 441210, 441221, 441222, 441229, 441310, 441320, 442110, 442210, 442291, 442299, 443111, 443112, 443120, 443130, 444110, 444120, 444130, 444190, 444210, 444220, 445110, 445120, 445210, 445220, 445230, 445291, 445292
Sample Questions & Answers
How sensitive is the company's business to the economy?
Economic factors, including personal income, consumer confidence, job growth, and interest rates, can greatly affect consumer spending and the retail sector. During recessionary periods, retail sales growth can slow drastically and even decline.
How does the company compete with large retailers?
In many retail segments, large companies dominate and hold the majority of the market. Even specialty retailers in fragmented markets must compete with mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs that offer a smaller selection of comparable merchandise at...
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Retail Sector Industry Report
Office Supply & Paper Wholesalers Industry Report
Overview
The US office supply and paper wholesale industry includes about 6,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with annual revenue of about $40 billion. Major companies include United Stationers, Unisource, S P Richards (a subsidiary of Genuine Parts), and Quill Corporation (a subsidiary of Staples). The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate more than 60 percent of overall revenue.
SIC: 5112
NAICS: 424120
Sample Questions & Answers
How does the company mitigate cyclical demand for office supplies?
Demand for office supplies, including paper, depends strongly on the level of business activity. Demand may grow sharply as businesses stock new offices, but drops when economic activity slows. For example, sales at industry leader United Stationers...
How is the company strengthening profit margins?
With industry gross margins typically around 15 to 20 percent of sales, office supply distributors must operate highly efficient distribution systems. Price competition is very strong. Despite attempts to differentiate themselves by providing faster...
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Office Supply & Paper Wholesalers Industry Report
Music Stores Industry Report
Overview
The US music store industry includes about 4,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $3 billion. Major companies include Trans World Entertainment Corporation (operator of FYE and other branded stores), Hastings Entertainment, and CD Warehouse. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies account for more than 70 percent of industry revenue.
SIC: 5735
NAICS: 451220
Sample Questions & Answers
Who are the company’s most significant retail competitors?
Music stores face intense competition from consumer electronics stores, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, and Internet retailers. Music stores capture less than one-third of all US music purchases, according to the Recording Industry Association...
How has digital downloading affected the company?
Digital music downloading, both legal and illegal, has negatively affected US CD sales. Sales of physical CDs declined nearly 20 percent in the first half of 2010 compared to the same time a year earlier, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Meanwhile,...
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Music Stores Industry Report
Bookstores Industry Report
Overview
The US bookstores industry includes about 10,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $16 billion. Major companies include Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million. The industry is highly concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 85 percent of sales.
SIC: 5942
NAICS: 451211
Sample Questions & Answers
How has the increased competition from online-only booksellers affected growth?
Book sales for Internet and mail order retailers are estimated at about $7 billion, cutting into sales for bookstores. Since Amazon.com's introduction, traditional bookstore sales have gone from growing faster than total retail sales to growing more...
How does the company plan to grow revenue when pricing has remained flat?
Consumer prices for trade books (fiction, nonfiction, adult, children’s) remained flat between 2000 and 2010. Publishers indirectly set maximum retail prices, so retailers must rely on increased volume or decreased discounts to sustain profitability.
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Bookstores Industry Report
Gift, Novelty & Souvenir Stores Industry Report
Overview
The US gift, novelty, and souvenir store (gift store) industry includes about 30,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $18 billion. Major companies include Hallmark, Spencer Gifts, and Disney Stores (a division of The Walt Disney Company). The industry is fragmented: the top 50 companies account for about 30 percent of sales.
SIC: 5947, 5992
NAICS: 453110, 453220
Sample Questions & Answers
What is the company’s most serious competitive threat?
Gift stores face intense competition from mass merchandisers, department stores, and Internet retailers. Wal-Mart and Target are two top destinations for gift shoppers, according to Unity Marketing. Reseller websites, such as eBay, and craft sites...
How do changes in consumer spending affect the company’s sales?
Most gifts are discretionary purchases and gift sales depend on consumer spending. While consumers may not eliminate gift purchases when the economy slows, many spend less and are less likely to buy additional items for themselves on impulse. Without...
To read this full Call Prep Question and others, purchase the full report.
General Report Description
Save valuable research time, increase confidence on sales calls, and get the competitive edge to win more business with Hoover's Industry Report. Proprietary editorial analysis synthesizes hundreds of sources into an easy-to-digest format so that you can quickly understand a client's business challenges. Insight into critical business issues, industry trends and opportunities, and financial benchmarks is an integral part of each report.
Sections Included in Report
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Trends and Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Website and Media Links
- Glossary of Acronyms
Industry Report Highlights:
Recent Developments
Stay up to date on crucial industry news that may affect your strategy.Trends & Opportunities
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rapport with prospects during your sales calls using done-for-you call preparation questions.Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planning.
Business Challenges
Engage your prospects with solution selling that makes their life easier by first understanding their pain points.Executive Insight
Identify the correct decision maker and tailor your presentation to his or her needs, and maximize the effectiveness of your pitch.Financial Information
Increase your credibility and support your presentations by adding verifiable industry metrics.Web Links & Acronyms
Speak the Prospect's language by demonstrating an understanding of industry trade associations and jargon.
Gift, Novelty & Souvenir Stores Industry Report
