EB Games is the most-shopped video game retailer in Canada, according to Kubas Consultants’ 2008 Major Market Retail Report, while big retailers Future Shop, Best Buy and Wal-Mart trail closely behind in the category.
EB Games has the “highest projected market share potential but its lead is slim,” according to Kubas, which tracked video game stores for the first time in this year’s MMRR. “EB Games’ competitive weak spot appears to be value for money, according to consumer ratings.”
The MMRR, which compiles statistics and consumer opinions about retailers in Canada’s six largest metro markets, placed Canadian Tire as the most-shopped retailer overall, followed by London Drugs, which had the highest drawing power from its surrounding areas. Indigo and Chapters achieved the highest rate of performance, as perceived by consumers.
In terms of getting information from retailers, flyers remain the top information source, according to the report, but in 2008 the Internet took the number two spot for the first time. Kubas also noted that nearly 50% of consumers voluntarily sign up to receive e-mails from retailers.
The report also evaluated the outlook on Canada’s perceived economic slump, and found that 44% of consumers believe the economy is getting worse. The good news, however, is that overall consumers believe their personal finances will remain intact in spite of a potential recession.
The report also predicts that e-commerce will continue grow, albeit at a slower rate than in recent years. “Online buying may now be within 5 or 10 points of its peak,” Ed Strapagiel, MMRR study director and executive vice-president of Kubas Consultants, said in a release.
The MMRR reported a forecast projection of $435 billion in total retail sales in 2008, up 5.8% from 2007. However, this figure is inflated by gas station sales, and the report predicts a 4% increase in general merchandise retail sales over 2007.
MMRR 2008 is based on a survey of 1,243 consumers aged 18 plus conducted in February.
