Research and Analytics Services Outsourcing

The quake that hit the global financial markets last year left shoppers and retailers bracing for a cold and lackluster Christmas. As anticipated, post-holiday consumer surveys reported holiday sales far below expectations as a result of record low spending. The only winners in the face of the economic downturn were value retail outlets such as Walmart which experienced increased consumer traffic (69% shoppers in 2008 as compared 33% in 2007; source: ARG), as a direct result of aggressive value-for-money promotions and discounts.