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Survivability Index

Retail survivors unveiled in ‘Survivability Index’

As the high street continues to be hit hard by the recession, BDO in association with Verdict reveal the ‘Survivability Index’, which ranks how a cross section of UK retailers are best placed to insulate themselves in the long-term.

While retail giant Tesco tops the Index of ones to watch, a host of smaller companies also fare well including Boden, which ranks second and active clothing company Howies which ranks sixth.

BDO/ Verdict’s Survivability Index top ten:

  1. Tesco
  2. Boden
  3. Selfridges
  4. Apple Store
  5. John Lewis
  6. Howies
  7. Waitrose
  8. Sainsburys
  9. TMLewin
  10. Fat Face

A cross section of retail players ranging from large multi-nationals to small owner-managed businesses were reviewed. Each retailer was measured against 10 key criteria, which we believe could help them ride out the current economic storm and beyond. ‘Survivor’ criteria, identified in Strategies for Successful Retailing, includes branding, cost management, internet potential, product segmentation, customer targeting, defending share and diversification. 

Of course there are no easy wins, and everyone will struggle to an extent, however, retailers that think beyond cutting costs and look at wider strategies to defend their top lines and market shares, will be better placed over the next 12 months.

For more information please contact Don Williams, National Head of the retail sector, or contact your local BDO advisor.

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