AUSTRIA: BLEAK OUTLOOK FOR RETAIL TRADE
Article Abstract:
Austria's traders expect continued stagnation or at best a slight increase in sales in 2001. In year 2000 the retail trade saw a 0.4% increase in turnover in nominal terms despite a decline in the second half. Outlets with turnovers of less than Sch 50mn recorded growth, while bigger ones saw a 2% fall on average. However, the sports equipment and toy retail trade and DIY stores recorded higher sales. Shopping centres recorded a 4% increase in turnover and a 1% growth in customer frequency, while shopping streets saw a 2% fall in customer numbers. The food retail trade saw a 2% fall in turnover. A survey by the Institute for Trade Research (Institut fur Gewerbe- und Handelsforschung) suggests that 60% of Austria's retailers are making losses. The average loss ratio is 0.1% of turnover. Retailers with turnovers of less than Sch 5mn, the loss ratio is 10.5% on average, while retailers with turnovers of more than Sch 100mn have a profit ratio of 0.5%. In the wholesale trade, profit ratio is 1.1% and in the motor vehicle trade 0.6%. Among the different retail sectors, the photo products trade is ranked first in profitability, with a profit ratio of 1.3%. Drugstores and perfumeries have profit ratios of 0.3% and toy and sports equipment retailers 0.2% on average. The loss ratio in food retail trade is 0.5% and in DIY trade 0.8%. Meanwhile, Statistik Austria reports that trade volume in Austria increased 5.7% in nominal terms and 2.7% in real terms in 2000. The wholesale trade saw a 4.7% growth in real terms and the retail trade 1.8% growth.
Publication Name: Presse
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 2001
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AUSTRIA: SPAR CHAIRMAN ON PLANS
Article Abstract:
Hans M. Reisch, chairman of the board directors of the Austrian retail group Spar, says that following the acquisition of 93 Meinl supermarkets in eastern Austria, the company is to increase the share of private labels and exclusive brands from 18-19% from about 15% at present. The company has already introduced ice-creams under a private label. The merger with the remaining retail arm of the Meinl group could help Spar to boost its image with regard to product assortment. Like its main competitor Billa, Spar is to open 40-50 new outlets per year. Spar, which generated a turnover of Sch 45.42bn in 1999 and holds 27.29% of the Austrian market, does not expect to overtake the market leader Billa, which has a market share of 31%. Mr Reisch says that talks have been given up concerning a multi-sector customer card. Beside Spar, the talks involved BauMax, DM-Drogeriemarkt, OMV and OBB
Publication Name: Presse
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 2000
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AUSTRIA: MARKS & SPENCER CUTTING BACK
Article Abstract:
Marks & Spencer is to withdraw almost completely from the Austrian market. The British textile and food retail chain will retain only the store at the Stephansplatz square in Vienna. Four other outlets have been or will be closed. The company refers to difficult conditions on the Austrian market and the strength of the pound sterling.
Publication Name: Presse
Subject: Business, international
ISSN:
Year: 2000
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