The purpose of this report is to provide a brief overview of the key sectors of U.S. retailing and to profile the major players in each. The report is intended as a first point of reference, and may or may not be used in conjunction with Mintel's series of consumer intelligence reports on a wide range of U.S. consumer markets. As a part of its focus this report aims to provide the reader with key reference information to enable further research.

The purpose of this report is to provide a brief overview of the key sectors of U.S. retailing and to profile the major players in each. The report is intended as a first point of reference, and may or may not be used in conjunction with Mintel's series of consumer intelligence reports on a wide range of U.S. consumer markets. As a part of its focus this report aims to provide the reader with key reference information to enable further research.

The report contains key sales data and profiles of the major retailers in each of the following sectors, and will be updated on a quarterly basis:

· Supermarkets/grocery stores

· Drug stores

Mass merchandisers

· Convenience stores

· Electronics stores

· Department stores

· Chain book stores

· Healthfood stores

· Sporting goods retailers

· Internet retailers

· Athletic footwear specialty stores

· Office supply stores

· Coffee shops

· Home improvement/hardware stores

· Liquor stores

· Dollar stores

The data presented in this report are the most up to date available at the time of going to press.