Retailers in 2011 are looking to expand, according to a new
report from the National Retail Federation and KMPG.  

Some 41 percent of retail executives said that their
companies intend to increase domestic store expansions in 2011, up from 25
percent in 2010. It also found that 25 percent will expand overseas, up from 21
percent a year ago.

The survey also found that 69 percent see mobile e-commerce
as a top focus, up considerably from 28 percent a year ago.

And while 58 percent of retailers said that cost reduction
and containment will remain important, that number is down from 81 percent in
2010.

“This year’s report paints an encouraging picture of the
coming year for both retailers and consumers,” said Katherine Mance, executive
director of the NRF Foundation, in a statement.

Other findings:

• The number of retailers who report using Twitter jumped
from 61 percent in 2009 to 79 percent in 2010. An additional 18 percent will
use it for networking and for their e-commerce programs during the next 18
months.

• While 56 percent of retailers surveyed in 2010 said
customer service would be a top priority, that figure jumped to three quarters
for 2011.

Mark Larson, partner in charge of KPMG’s retail group,
added: “After several years of belt tightening, retailers are also ready to
begin experimenting again. They will, however, move ahead with cost discipline
in mind.”

JCK