The results of the first-quarter 2021 NACS Retailer Pulse Survey poll are out, showing that retailer optimism grows increasingly stronger by quarter as the year progresses.
Looking back at 2020, sales were good in spite of the pandemic: 59% of retailers surveyed said that in-store sales were somewhat higher or significantly higher than 2019. An expansion of SKUs (namely in ready-to-heat meals and canned/frozen goods) and an increased quantity of existing SKUs (in alcoholic beverages and grocery, among others) were a big part of that sales bump.
Shortages of some products were reported, with cleaning/toiletry items and alcoholic and packaged beverages at the top of the list. However, taking the No. 1 spot for shortages: qualified candidates to fill jobs, with 69% of retailers reporting challenges in 2020.
As we move into a new year, pessimism drops as each quarter passes, with the second half of the year revealing some positive momentum.
The first-quarter 2021 NACS Retailer Pulse Survey was fielded in late December 2020. A total of 71 member companies, representing a cumulative 1,717 stores, participated in the survey.
Which best describes your in-store sales in 2020 compared with 2019?
Overall Outlook for Shopper Foot Traffic in 2021
Source: Q1 2021 NACS Retailer Pulse Survey