Profitect this week attended the 2012 Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference, which highlighted key research trends and themes for the retail industry.  Presentations by leading retail organizations included Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Ahold, Kohl's, Target, Ascena, Dick's Sporting Goods, The Home Depot, Saks, and many others. 

Topics of discussion focused on the previous 8-month period (January-September) which generated strong top-line sales for most retailers.  Other discussions included the impact of technology on retailers' ability to amplify margins and profits.  Other key takeaways from the conference include:

1. Online channel pressuring sales/margins
2. Impact of customer loyalty programs
3. Efficiency in store operations through "simplicity"
4. Front store/consumer technology
5. Upcoming Presidential election and economic impact

The annual Global Retail Conference falls on the heels of a somewhat strong back-to-school season where consumers have already spent more than $80 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. Reuters has also reported that nearly all U.S. retailers have posted better-than-expected sales gains in August, setting the stage for a strong third quarter and a positive holiday selling season.

"We are very encouraged by what we've learned at this year's Global Retailing Conference, but we know that retailers still have a long way to go and still face a difficult economic climate," said Guy Yehiav, CEO, Profitect. "Profit leaks are still the 'elephant in the room' for many retail organizations, and often times they do not know where to start or what to look for. We are currently working with many top retail brands to help them pinpoint where their supply chains and store operations are missing profit opportunities."