How retailers can build resilience ahead of a recession

Retailers beware: although the US economy began a record expansion in 2009, there were already signs of moderating growth and consumer spending when the coronavirus hit. No one can say if the economy will tip into recession (nor how long it will last, it if does). Still, retailers can be sure that when there is a slump, it will pose challenges. That was certainly the case during the Great Recession. Officially, it lasted from December 2007 through June 2009, but its effects lingered for some time thereafter. Our research found that 42 percent delivered no returns for shareholders between 2007 and 2011. Others did not survive: dozens of large retailers filed for bankruptcy. Read more…