Research and Markets: 2012 Report on the $16 Billion US Used Merchandise Stores Market

DUBLIN--()--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gbfk36/used_merchandise_s) has announced the addition of the "Used Merchandise Stores" report to their offering.

The used merchandise stores industry in the US includes about 25,000 stores with combined annual revenue of about $16 billion. Major companies include Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Savers, and Winmark. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 25 percent of industry sales.

The industry includes resale shops, consignment shops, thrift shops, and antique stores. Excluded are stores that sell used cars, boats, trailers, and mobile homes. Pawn shops, which sell a variety of used merchandise but generate most of their revenue from interest and fees on loans, are discussed in this profile but not included in store count, revenue, or employment statistics.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Population demographics, consumer income, and consumer tastes drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient procurement and effective merchandising. Large companies have advantages in marketing and finance. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialty products, serving a local market, or providing superior customer service. The industry is labor-intensive: average annual revenue per worker is about $120,000.

Used merchandise stores compete with retailers offering new merchandise. Companies also compete with individuals selling used merchandise privately or through websites, such as eBay or Craigslist, or product swapping through services like Freecycle.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products include used clothing (about 25 percent of sales); antiques (13 percent); used furniture and collectibles (10 percent each); and used books and jewelry (7 percent each).

Key Topics Covered:

Industry Overview

Quarterly Industry Update

Business Challenges

Business Trends

Industry Opportunities

Call Preparation Questions

Financial Information

Industry Forecast

Web Links and Acronyms

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/gbfk36/used_merchandise_s

Contacts

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): 353-1-481-1716
Sector: Retailing and Services

Contacts

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): 353-1-481-1716
Sector: Retailing and Services