SkyMall, Inc.&nbsp;Business Reports

Household Appliance Stores Industry Report

Overview

The US household appliance store industry includes about 9,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $16 billion. Major companies include ABC Appliance, Conn's, hhgregg, and PC Richard & Son. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 35 percent of industry sales.

SIC: 5722

NAICS: 443111

Sample Questions & Answers

How are the company's sales affected by changes in home sales?

Sales of new and existing homes help drive growth for appliance retailers, as consumers are highly likely to buy new appliances when buying a home. A soft housing market can significantly depress appliance sales. US new home sales fell by more than...

How does the company compensate for declining retail prices?

Retail prices for major appliances have been driven down by imports of low-priced products, mainly from China and Mexico. Increasing import volume and strong demand for low-end products contribute to flat and decreasing prices across most major...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Household Appliance Stores Industry Report

Retail Sector Industry Report

Overview

The US breakfast cereal manufacturing industry includes about 30 companies with combined annual revenue of about $11 billion. Major companies include Kellogg, General Mills, Post Foods, and Quaker (owned by PepsiCo). The industry is highly concentrated: the top four companies account for 80 percent of revenue.

SIC: 2043

NAICS: 311230

Sample Questions & Answers

How dependent is the company on the success of ready-to-eat cereal?

Cereal manufacturers depend highly on a single type of product (cold, ready-to-eat cereal) that's overwhelmingly consumed at a single time of day. Because cereal with milk can't be easily consumed on-the-go, busy families and professionals may be...

How does the company manage commodity price swings?

The price and availability of cereal grains can fluctuate sharply due to farm yield, weather patterns, and government farm subsidies. Wheat, corn, and oat prices routinely swing 10 percent or more from year-to-year. Price and supply instability isn't...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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

Sporting Goods Stores Industry Report

Overview

The US retail sporting goods industry includes about 20,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $35 billion. Large chain operators include Academy, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Hibbett Sports, REI, and The Sports Authority. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for more than 55 percent of revenue. Only about 140 companies have more than five stores.

SIC: 5941

NAICS: 451110

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage changes in demand during an economic slowdown?

The revenue of sporting goods stores is sensitive to the health of the economy, as sports are leisure activities for most participants. Spending on sporting goods correlates strongly with declines or gains in consumer income. During the late 2000s...

How does the company encourage greater sports participation?

Demographics play a big part in sporting goods sales, since participation in sports tends to vary among different age groups. The number of Americans ages 5 to 19, the most athletically active segment of the population, will increase 7 percent from...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Sporting Goods Stores 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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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

Computer & Software Stores Industry Report

Overview

The US computer and software store (computer store) industry includes about 10,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $16 billion. No major companies dominate the industry.

SIC: 5734

NAICS: 443120

Sample Questions & Answers

How have retail price trends affected the company's merchandising strategy?

Rapidly declining retail prices for computers, peripherals, and software can squeeze margins, even when companies account for decreasing manufacturer prices. Intense competition and consumer demand for affordability have resulted in falling price...

How has the company developed ways to compete with multiple types of alternative retailers?

Computer stores face intense competition from a variety of sources, including consumer electronic stores, Internet and catalog retailers, computer and peripheral manufacturers, office supply stores, and mass merchandisers. As the general population...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Computer & Software Stores Industry Report

Jewelry Stores Industry Report

Overview

The US jewelry retail industry includes about 20,000 companies with combined annual revenue of about $30 billion. Major companies include Zale, Tiffany, and Sterling Jewelers (a unit of London-based Signet Jewelers). The industry is fragmented: the top 50 jewelry chains generate about 40 percent of revenue.

SIC: 5944

NAICS: 448310

Sample Questions & Answers

How does the company manage business fluctuations brought on by changes in the economy and consumer spending?

Jewelry sales are tied to the health of the US economy, particularly changes in disposable personal income and consumer confidence. Sales of expensive jewelry, especially, depend on good economic growth. Consumers may choose less expensive items or...

How will the jeweler compete against big-box retailers like Wal-Mart?

Specialty jewelry stores continue to lose market share to mass merchants such as Wal-Mart. Specialty stores account for only about 40 percent of all jewelry sales in the US. The share sold by traditional department stores has also been declining.

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Jewelry Stores Industry Report

Home Furnishings Stores Industry Report

Overview

The US home furnishings store industry includes about 20,000 stores with combined annual revenues of about $25 billion. Major companies include Bed Bath & Beyond and Williams-Sonoma. The industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies account for about 75 percent of industry revenue.

SIC: 5713, 5714

NAICS: 442210, 442299

Sample Questions & Answers

How sensitive are the company’s sales to economic conditions?

Home furnishings are usually discretionary purchases that can be postponed when consumer income declines. For example, sales for home furnishings stores fell 8 percent from 2008 to 2009 and grew by just 3 percent from 2009 to 2010, as consumers...

How has the company responded to declining prices?

Consumer prices for home furnishing products have been steadily falling for nearly a decade, driven by low-cost imports and competition from national chains and mass merchandisers. Prices for window coverings fell 20 percent from 2001 to 2010; for...

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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.

Home Furnishings Stores Industry Report

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 & Opportunies
Identify avenues for expansion and get prospects thinking about growth opportunities that justify investing in your product.
Call Preparation Questions
Gain instant rappart with prospects during youir sales calls using done-for-you call prearation questions.
Industry Forecast
Identify growth and integrate projections in your own business planing.

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