Introduction

The increasing economic pressures affecting the retail industry means that companies will increasingly look to outsource technology and business processes to cut costs and focus on core skills. This report provides a detailed analyss of service providers capabilities in selling to the retail sector through the current recession.

Scope of this research

• Contains analysis of the difficulties and opportunities retailers face in the current economic downturn.
• This report looks at the opportunities available to IT and BPO service providers in North America and Western Europe.
• Provides analysis on leading players in the market and discusses future predictions
• The report also offers recommendations to vendors about how best to target the retail sector based on recessionary requirements.

Research and analysis highlights

A large number of retailers in North America and Western Europe are suffering as a result of low consumer confidence; even to the point of bankruptcy in some cases.In this uncertain environment, the priority for a retailer will be to protect margins.

Cutting down on staff and inventory, the two biggest costs for a retailer, will be the principal areas of focus. Retailers are also cutting costs in other areas: one of the biggest current hurdles to outsourcing is the industry-wide reduction of capex in retail.

Choosing the right service provider is very important. Retailers will expect outsourcers to not only know the demands of the retail industry, but also the challenges of their particular retail sector. As such, a service provider must take strides to understand the pulse of the business in order to work in partnership with the retailer.

Key reasons to purchase this research

• Learn about the business goals and priorities for retailers which provide opportunities for outsourcing.
• Offers an overview of the current competitive landscape in the services to retail market
• Provides recommendations to vendors interested in selling into the retail sector