Retail sales have shown tentative signs of a modest recovery from weak levels, but in our view a continuing threat remains the weakness of the labor market ... which may slow the pace of consumer spending.

What we've seen over the past few months is a very gradual recovery in retail sales. We're likely to see a continued recovery in coming months, but nothing dramatic.

If you look at the subcategories, you see a backlog in sales orders while inventory levels are down and purchasing commitments are up,

Is the competition really some mythical beast? No, not really. Knowing how to play your group of salespeople as a team, to overcome the group objective of winning the customers support, is the objective. The opposing team in proper viewpoint is not just the similar competing business to yours. Nor is it the competing franchises of your home office.
No, in order to really be effective in the market place as a surviving business, you must go beyond that philosophy. You must be willing to expand your viewpoint to fully understand who the competition truly is.
Your true competition is simply this: Anywhere that your customer would spend his or her dollars as opposed to spending them at your company or place of business.

Have you ever seen someone buy a piece of furniture or clothing from New York, Chicago or London? Even though the exact same product was available right down the street at a local retailer for a fraction of the cost? This kind of phenomenon is referred to as ‘The expert from afar’ enticement that enraptures the naïve with the idea that things distant and far removed have more value because of the popularity of their location or the pedigree of the presenter. They often neglect to seek resources locally that offer the same product or practical wisdom, and do not employ the benefits of direct first hand observation to test the efficacy of what can be found close by within arm’s length.
Instead they venture afar without looking at what is often right in front of them, invisible because of proximity.
However, invisibility has its own value too. It allows one to carry on unnoticed, and go merrily about your own successful way.

You have a happier buyer. From a sales and marketing standpoint, it's been a real winner.