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Apparel retailers facing challenges in new year

While the 2015 holiday season proved rewarding for most retailers there are more than a few, at least five, facing some hurdles and obstacles in 2016.

January 11, 2016

While the 2015 holiday season proved rewarding for most retailers there are more than a few, at least five, facing some hurdles and obstacles in 2016.

Savvy mobile consumers who are willing to go online, tap smartphone apps and visit stores in the quest for the best deal, are one reason such retailers may find the next 12 months challenging, according to a USA Today report.

"Even as stores typically on solid footing, including Macy's and Nordstrom, have scrambled to keep up with the shift in shopping habits, they're finding it difficult to maintain an edge," states USA Today, which lists five retailers it expects to have the toughest time this year.

• Macy's
• Nordstrom
• Aeropostale
• Sears
• HH Gregg

As Retail Customer Experience reported in mid 2015 Macy's has been hard at work to advance sales and build brand loyalty. Blogger Bryan Pearson, president and CEO of LoyaltyOne, recently noted Macy’s strategy was aimed at getting out of the 'middle-of-the-road' market position and going more upscale with products to boost customer experience as well as sales.

The year 2015 was one of challenge for Sears as well, but things were looking up as the back-to-school season dawned, as Retail Customer Experience reported. A YouGov’s BrandIndex reported Sears had made "significant strides" compared to 2014 and is even ahead of discount store Marshall’s.