SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — U.S. consumers are battling rising gas prices and other economic pressures by combining errands and making fewer shopping trips, according to new Nielsen Co. research. While shopping frequency across most retail channels is flat or on a decline, it found that trips to supercenters, which allow shoppers to combine shopping trips, continue to grow. “Value and convenience are more important than ever as rising gas prices impact where and how often consumers shop,” said Todd Hale, senior vice president of Consumer & Shopper Insights, Nielsen Consumer Panel Services, in a statement. “Long-term trends show us that all retailers — supercenters, warehouse clubs and dollar stores — are gaining in their quest to grab shoppers. Keep in mind, however, that some U.S. grocers reported stronger same-store-sales growth than supercenters or dollar stores in 2007. Proximity to shoppers and a healthy focus on convenience and value helped many of these grocers deliver solid results.”
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