etail Industry Fact Sheet

OVERVIEW
The retail industry is the second-largest industry in the country and it continues to grow because it’s where consumers spend their money. E-commerce has played a part of this expansion and has revolutionized the way business is done for the world of retail. Today, many consumers utilize their PC’s and Internet service to purchase goods for their business and personal needs. Therefore, many traditional retailers have gained the interest and involvement in developing their own online store. “Yet, the impact with retail e-commerce has raised strict issues because of its capability of putting traditional bricks-and-mortar stores and catalog retailers out of business” (Source: www.wetfeet.com). But Americans still value the business relationship, and it should be the goal for all retailers to find an exceptional way of using the power of technology to serve the consumer with a personal touch.

MARKETING METHODS
Retail industry programs are marketed in a variety of ways, including advertisement, Internet banners, telemarketing, statement stuffers and voice messaging. These programs are utilized by a variety of industries that now include e-commerce, television, cable and catalog compa-nies. Although the industries may vary, they all share the same essential goal by increasing and maintaining market share by establishing retention through increased customer loyalty.

SOME FACTS AND FIGURES
There are more than 22 million Americans employed in the retail industry and they produce more than $3 trillion in retail sales on an annual basis.

According to the UNEP meeting of the retail industry on Sustainable Development, some two-thirds or $6.6 trillion out of the $10 trillion American wealth is consumer spending. About 40% of that ($3 trillion) is spending on discretionary products and services.

Time and quality of life are becoming relatively more important than money; 60% of Americans want to simplify their lives (UNEP Meeting on Sustainable Development).

The total of United States-managed investment assets grew 22% from 1999 to 2001; socially screened assets under professional management grew by 36% in the same period, suggesting the growing importance of social issues in investment.

Consumers are becoming more purposeful in their buying behavior according to a 2001 Ernst & Young paper. Another change in the retail industry is a drop in the number of casual shoppers in department stores and malls.

The world’s population is poised to expand 50% by 2050. The world is currently 78% poor, 11% middle income and 11% rich, according to the UNEP meeting of the retail industry on Sustain-able Development.

WHY MARKETOUCH MEDIA?
Through a proven system of voice messaging, MarkeTouch Media simulates personal interaction by personalizing and reinforcing your message, driving loyalty and increasing familiarity and trust like no other marketing tool. The revolutionary MarkeTouch Media system of voice messaging works to help you meet your acquisition and retention goals, cutting through the “noise level” with a proven, personalized, targeted approach. In addition, MarkeTouch Media’s toll-free call routing system will identify and route calls to the appropriate store location. This pioneering system will increase awareness and penetration for all locations across the country.