The Case of the Missing Customers

We're heard from several very experienced retailers this past week that sales and in-store traffic have just dropped off since early February. Altogether spooky.

Indeed, 6 out of 10 respondents to our recent survey of retailers reported that customer counts (transactions) are down so far this year.

What's going on? Where are the customers? 

We can only speculate, but our suspicion: the 2016 Presidential campaigns continues to dominate the news in unprecedented and relentless fashion. Every day, the news is full of more uncertainty and disruption. 

And this democracy-in-action upheaval is taking a toll on retailing. This year, there is no "business as usual"!

• In a nation whose favorite spectator sports are auto racing and football, it's no wonder that this politcal spectacle has commanded our attention: When and where will the next collision occur?
• In this case, a "collision" is, distractingly and potentially, a major change in how our country is run, and how it is perceived around the world.

In fact, it seems to us that no "news item" in recent history has ever been more captivating. It not only is being watched; it is being stared at, mouths agape! 

Our hypothesis: You bet, most customers are distracted. And concerned. And spending less confidently. Aren't you too?