When looking for low prices on consumables, consumers typically had flocked to supercenters and warehouse clubs, which have experienced positive year-on-year growth since 2012, reports Chicago-based Mintel in its December 2017 “Mass Merchandisers – US” report. This trend looks likely to continue as the report projected 2017 sales at $567.7 billion, an increase of 3.1 percent from the prior year and similar growth is forecasted through 2022.
However, as more consumers embrace eCommerce, the mass merchandiser channel is seeing its customers siphoned away from brick-and-mortar locations. “Mass merchandisers revenue has declined over the past year due to rising competition from online platforms,” explains Claire O’Connor, lead industry research analyst for Los Angeles-based IBISWorld. “Previously, mass merchandisers were seen as a place where individuals shopped for the lowest prices, often purchasing in bulk.