Walmart tops 2013 retail 'Winners and Losers' list

Walmart topped the 2013 list of retail "Winners and Losers," based on a report by America's Research Group and Inmar. Of 24 retailers surveyed, only three retained 70% or more of their customer base, with Walmart topping the list at 88.1%. Dollar Tree was second at 80.4%, followed by Target at 72.1%. The bottom five retailers on the list are Barnes & Noble (43.9%), Costco, (49.4%), Marshalls (50%), Toys R Us (53.1% and Lowe's (56%).

Of those consumers not yet finished with their holiday shopping, 22.2% (versus 15.9% last year) said it's because they're not getting big discounts and they plan to wait until the last three days to finish their Christmas shopping, according to the report.

"The key to retailing success is retaining at least 70% or more customer base," said Britt Beemer, chairman and CEO of America's Research Group. "The research shows that most retailers did a lousy job of keeping their customers home this year. In fact, only two, Walmart and Dollar Tree, did an exceptional job this season.

"In previous years, we've seen seven or more retailers do well. If you're losing 50% of your customers, you're in grave trouble and your long-term future is doubtful. Two-thirds of retailers got failing grades this year and had better seriously review their merchandising and advertising strategies if they want to stay in the game."

The complete list, with percentages of retained customer base, is shown below. The ARG/Inmar research consisted of 1,000 telephone interviews conducted Dec. 20-22, 2013.

1. Walmart, 88.1%

2. Dollar Tree, 80.4%

3. Target, 72.1%

4. Walgreens, 69.3%

5. Macy's, 68.2%

6. Sears, 67.8%

7. Big Lots, 66.3%

8. Kohl's, 64.5%

9. Ross, 64%

10. CVS, 63.4%

11/12. JC Penney, 61.4%

11/12. Amazon,61.4%

13. The Gap, 59.6%

14. Sam's Club, 58.8%

15/16. TJ Maxx, 58.4%

15/16. Home Depot, 58.4%

17. American Eagle, 57.9%

18. Old Navy, 57.2%

19. Best Buy, 56.6%

20. Lowe's, 56%

21. Toys R Us, 53.1%

22. Marshalls, 50%

23. Costco, 49.4%

24. Barnes & Noble, 43.9%