As the $4.4 trillion U.S. retail sector deploys strategies such as increasing warehousing, repurposing existing stores and incorporating new technologies, it is creating opportunities for leasing and other financing solutions, according to a new study, Vertical Market Outlook Series: Retail, released by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (Foundation). The study focuses on the rapidly evolving retail landscape driven by consumer demand for flexibility in how, when and what they purchase. It is the sixth release of the Foundation’s forward-looking Vertical Market Outlook Series designed to help readers recognize and understand opportunities and challenges that may affect their businesses.

The report, commissioned by the Foundation and prepared by Engine Group, comprises data and research from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Retail Federation, Deloitte and McKinsey. Among the range of issues examined in the study are:

• Macroeconomic environment (labor/employment, impact of COVID)
• Trends in retail operations (supply chain innovation, new store formats)
• Increasing roles for technology (digital technology, robotics, data management)
• Impact on small and mid-size retailers (customer-facing innovations)

“COVID, technology innovations and consumer demands are driving dramatic changes in the U.S. retail sector that pose numerous challenges and opportunities for the equipment finance industry,” said Tom Ware, Foundation Research Committee Chair. “The range of information and analysis in this study provides critical market intelligence for equipment finance professionals to use in their strategic planning and decision-making.”  

Download the full report at https://bit.ly/ELFFRetailReport. All Foundation studies are available for free download from the Foundation’s online library at http://store.leasefoundation.org/.