A mixed economic backdrop is expected to drive modest retail sales growth in the 3% to 4% range in 2015, compared to 5.5% average growth in 2010-2012 and 5.8% in 2002-2006, according to GE
Capital. Low- and mid-income households will be particularly constrained by stagnant earnings despite improvements in employment status and the housing market as well as lower gas
prices. According to GE Capital, the key trends in retail include the following: Channel shift to continue: Consumers’ focus on value and
convenience will continue to shift discretionary spending away from traditional retail channels in favor of e-commerce and discount venues.Read the whole story at Chain Store Age »