SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The decline in shopping trips at Wal-Mart Stores is driven by customer loss, rather than reduced shopping frequency among remaining shoppers, according to the results of a survey released last week by Blueocean Market Intelligence here.
The survey, based on interviews with 1,800 Wal-Mart shoppers in September, said changing shopping habits and attitudes have contributed to six straight quarters of declines in same-store sales for the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer, as well as a slower recovery from the economic downturn than its peers.
Among shoppers leaving Wal-Mart, more than half said they didn’t view the retailer as a “low-price leader,” with many finding competitors more affordable and convenient, the survey said.
Other survey respondents said they didn’t like the renovations under “Project Impact” and said the store lacks service, variety and quality.
