Survey: Retail execs optimistic about 2017

Retailers executives are bullish on 2017.



That’s according to a survey from TD Bank, which polled 173 retail executives at the National Retail Federation’s annual Big Show in New York City. Seventy-four percent of the retailers said they believe sales will increase in the next 12 months. What’s more, 81% of the retailers reported that they met or exceeded their revenue goals in 2016.



In other key findings:



• When looking at mobile technology applications to the credit sales process, 43% of retailers expect that customers will browse and apply and buy online within the next two years.



• More than one-third (43%) of retailers cited that a credit promotional finance program is extremely or moderately important to their business.



• Forty-six percent of retailers cited that most of their customers seeking financing options when purchasing products are Gen X-ers (35-54 year olds).



When evaluating financing partners for their business, retailers consider the following factors most important:



• Customizable program: 21%;

• Quality of customer service: 17%; and

• Credibility of the lender: 15%