The retail business has changed radically in recent years, and is still undergoing shifts in its structure, business processes and positioning for the future.

Consumer demographic and lifestyle changes, altered shopping habits and confidence-eroding restructuring and layoffs will continue to take their toll. Consumer spending is not seen as a major element in the projected economic expansion, which could mean still less sales growth and more consolidations.

As a result, retail success will depend on two factors: increased market share through alternate channels, and technology investments that will enable retailers to utilize information.

On the upside: as in the past few years, the Southeast will probably outperform the rest of the country, as it continues to attract high-tech, capital-intensive industries. Nevertheless, retailing has all the earmarks of a mature industry.

For some time, progressive retailers have recognized information/communications technology as an important tool for increasing sales and productivity and for improving efficiency at the corporate, distribution, and store levels.