One impact of the global economic crisis on major C&T retailers has been a reduction in their Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) and Net Margins by a third or more. They have also had to cope with structural changes in the overall market in terms of the growth of discounters, convenience and online in a multi-channel flatline environment.
In the UK, it could be said that the market dominance of the major retailers is being challenged. C&T suppliers that have anticipated the emergence of additional and varied routes to market are becoming less dependent upon the major playe