Companies in this industry sell a variety of merchandise, including consumables and housewares, through physical retail locations. Major companies include Dollar General and Dollar Tree (both based in the US), along with Dollarama (Canada) and Poundland Group (UK).
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Demand is driven by consumer spending, particularly among less affluent consumers, as most companies target the lower- to middle-income demographic. The profitability of individual companies depends on their ability to effectively locate stores and to maximize their revenue per square foot. Large companies have advantages in purchasing and in negotiating lease arrangements. Small companies can compete effectively by locating in a previously untapped market. The industry is highly concentrated; The top 50 largest firms account for about 90% of the industry revenue.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major product categories include: candies, prepackaged cookies, and snacks; household cleaning supplies; household soaps, detergents, and cleaners; and soft drinks and nonalcoholic beverages which all account for about 30% of the industry's revenue. Food dry goods and other food products and household paper and plastic products account for more than 5% of the industry revenue.