Mass channels shine in overcast U.S. economy

Housewares sales volume at mass merchant outlets continued to increase in 1991 despite the recession. The undisputed sales leader is Wal-Mart Inc, which registered a 14% increase over 1990. Kmart Corp increased sales by 3%, while Sears, in third place, registered a 1% decline. Wal-Mart and Kmart and Target all benefited from inventory mismanagement at Sears, Roebuck & Co. The recession has been a boon for houseware sales, perhaps because these purchases represent small, token allowances that consumers grant themselves in hard times.
Despite the down economy, overall housewares sales at mass merchants continued to grow. HFD estimates the category grew approximately 5 percent in 1991. Individually, Wal-Mart retains its title as housewares [...]