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Press Release
For further information:
�Richard Maton/Giovanna Puma
�NCR
�+44 (0) 20 7725 8248/8253
�[email protected]
[email protected]
Caroline Leigh
�770-623-7608
�[email protected]
Survey Reveals Retailers Expect Euro Confusion and Cost Pressures
�
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LONDON,
October 2, 2001 -- Euro zone retailers believe consumers are unprepared for euro conversion, that spending levels are under threat and that their costs
could rise by an average 5.3 percent according to retail technology company
NCR, which today published the results of a survey* prepared for NCR by Gartner
Consulting.
� �������
At a time of
economic uncertainty, the research shows that retailers believe governments need to increase consumer education and take practical steps such as the
earlier release of currency and the provision of financial assistance to help
retailers tackle conversion and boost consumer confidence.
��������
The survey -
conducted across the four main euro zone economies - Germany, France, Italy and
Spain - found that 71 percent of retailers considered themselves prepared for
conversion but that their plans tend to center on technology and staff
training.� Far fewer retailers have plans to tackle cash shortages and
counterfeit notes, which could cause disruption in stores for consumers. And only a minority plan store layout changes that will minimize queues and
inconvenience for consumers.
��������
�While many
retailers are planning to reassure consumers on price conversion, people will also need help to familarize themselves with the new currency and its worth in
store,� said Alberto Camuri, vice president of NCR�s Retail Solutions Division
for Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Pacific.
��������
�Retailers can
take practical steps to build consumer confidence, such as combining help from
staff with information from technology such as kiosks.� But such measures
will only be successful if governments continue to make massive, concerted and
focused efforts to tackle consumer awareness and concerns.�
��������
The enormous
task of preparing consumers is illustrated by the survey�s findings that only
28 percent of retailers believe consumers are ready for conversion.� This
concern is reinforced by a conflicting picture among retailers about the impact
of conversion on consumer spending.
��������
In the lead up
to E Day a country analysis of those surveyed reveals that half of all French retailers believe consumer spending will increase while 50 percent of those in
Spain expect a decline.� The majority of German and Italian retailers
expect spending to remain unchanged.� In the conversion period, 71 percent
of French and 64 percent of Italian retailers expect a decline in spending.� Conversely, 58 percent of Spanish retailers anticipate a
spending increase in this period, while 64 percent of German retailers see no
change.
��������
These expected
erratic spending patterns will be compounded by increased costs associated with
euro conversion.� Some 54 percent of retailers believe that costs will
increase by an average 5.3 percent.� Software and hardware technology are
seen the most likely items to rise, but marketing and the cost of handling euro
notes will also make an impact.� While 37 percent of those expecting a
rise will absorb a cost increase, around 20 percent will increase prices to
cope and another 20 percent don�t yet know how they will recoup costs.
� �������
�Given that the
need for more action has been identified in the survey, retailers could expect their cost pressures to increase yet further�, said Silvo Lenart, vice president
of Gartner Consulting.� Commenting on the survey he said, �These findings
give a new sense of urgency to our previous recommendation that all retailers
operating within the euro zone should conduct an immediate audit, particularly
to re-assess vulnerability to in-store issues.�
�� ������
With less than
100 days to conversion, the survey highlights vital assistance governments could provide to help ensure a smooth transition.� When asked what help is
needed, around 80 percent of retailers want some form of tax break, reflecting
the pressure on costs.� Some 77 percent want governments to increase
consumer education and 75 percent want further clarity on the regulations
covering the dispensing of dual currency during the conversion phase.�
Around 65 percent believe that there should be earlier currency release to
retailers.� This action would help with the cash handling logistics and
also allow retailer staff to be more familiar with the new currency and less
vulnerable to counterfeits.
About the survey
��������Commissioned by
NCR Corporation, Gartner Consulting conducted extensive primary research and
analysis during August and September of 2001 through a programme of telephone interviews with the managers responsible for euro conversion in retailers
across five EU countries, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
These retailers ranged across small, medium and large size sized enterprises
and vertical sectors. The final sample included responses from France (42),
Germany (39), Italy (39), Spain (36) and the United Kingdom (58). The total study comprised 214 respondents, representative of all retailers in the five
countries, giving a margin of error of +/- 5.6% at 90% confidence. A summary
version of Gartner�s white paper containing the survey results may be found at www.ncr.com. *Gartner Consulting
results may differ from Gartner Research results.
About NCR Corporation
�
��������NCR Corporation
�
(NYSE: NCR) is a leader in providing Relationship Technology solutions to
customers worldwide.� NCR�s Relationship Technology solutions include the
Teradata database and analytical applications such as customer relationship
management (CRM) and demand chain management, store automation systems and
automated teller machines (ATMs). The company�s business solutions are built on
the foundation of its long-established industry knowledge and consulting
expertise, value-adding software, global customer support services, a complete
line of consumable and media products, and leading edge hardware
technology.� NCR employs 33,300 in more than 100 countries, and is a
component stock of the Standard & Poor�s 500 Index.� More information
about NCR and its solutions may be found at www.ncr.com.
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