Although retail visits in the second quarter were slightly down compared to the previous year, there are several positive developments in the sector, according to foot traffic data analyzed by Placer.ai.
In the second quarter, overall retail visits decreased by 1.8% year-over-year. This decline came after a strong January but was followed by a slowdown that persisted through April and May. However, there is reason for optimism as visit trends began to show improvement towards the end of Q2 2023. This indicates that the slump in consumer spending may be coming to an end. As we enter the coming months, there is potential for a significant retail turnaround, thanks to a range of promotional events such as owned retail holidays in July and Back to School and Labor Day sales in August and September.
When we look specifically at the subcategory of discount and dollar stores, the data reveals a strong quarter. Five Below Inc. experienced a remarkable growth of 14.5% in year-over-year visits, while Dollar Tree Inc. saw a rise of 10.5% over the same period. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Inc. also observed a notable increase in foot traffic with an 8.4% climb. Additionally, visits to Family Dollar, which is owned by Dollar Tree, rose by 5.1%. The success of discount and dollar stores can be attributed to the continued demand from budget-conscious shoppers who are actively seeking bargains. Furthermore, category leaders in this segment have been expanding their product offerings, contributing to their continued growth.
Dollar Tree and Dollar General dominated the foot traffic market share within this subcategory, accounting for 39.4% and 32.9%, respectively, of visits during the second quarter. Given their ongoing expansion efforts throughout the country, these chains are likely to maintain their lead.
In conclusion, despite a slight decrease in overall retail visits during the second quarter, the data suggests that the tide may be turning as visit trends show improvement. The performance of the discount and dollar stores subcategory is particularly encouraging, driven by a combination of budget-conscious shoppers and strategic expansions by key players. With upcoming promotional events and a potential retail turnaround on the horizon, the sector has reasons to be optimistic.
Consumer Trends in the Retail Sector
The latest data from an analytics company highlights some interesting trends in the retail sector. Notably, the grocery sector has shown an upturn, with Trader Joe’s leading the way with a 9.7% increase in visits compared to the previous year. The report also suggests that consumers are now more willing to engage in discretionary spending after months of budgeting and saving, which bodes well for the busy summer season.
When it comes to specific restaurant chains, McDonald’s witnessed an 8.4% rise in foot traffic year over year, followed by Popeyes with a 7.5% increase. KFC also experienced growth, reporting a 6.8% uptick in visits compared to the same period last year. Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Dunkin’ Donuts saw increases of 6.9%, 6.5%, and 3.6%, respectively.
Additionally, the fitness subsector performed exceptionally well during the second quarter of 2022, indicating a growing interest in health and wellness. Car wash chains also enjoyed year-over-year visit growth, reflecting increased mobility and vehicle usage. Malls also made a comeback in the second half of the quarter, showcasing renewed interest in in-person shopping experiences.
However, not all sectors experienced positive growth. The superstore subcategory saw a decline in foot traffic, specifically a 2.4% drop compared to the same period last year. Visits to Walmart and Target were down 2.8%, while visits to BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings decreased by 4.2%. There were exceptions, though, as Costco Wholesale Corp. managed to gain visits due to its expansion efforts, and Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart Inc., outperformed the category average.
According to the Commerce Department, retail sales in the United States rose by only 0.2% in June, falling short of the predicted 0.5% increase. However, overall consumer spending remains relatively strong.
It is important to remember that these trends are subject to change as consumer behavior continues to evolve in response to various factors in the market.