New APCO Study To Explore Perceptions, Expectations of U.S. Retail Industry
Washington, D.C. (September 28, 2009) – To help the retail industry navigate the increasingly complex environment that influences the reputations and brands of retail companies, APCO Insight®, the opinion research group at APCO Worldwide, is launching groundbreaking research to examine companies in the retail sector, Bryan Dumont, senior vice president at APCO Insight, announced today.
This comprehensive research project will be updated annually to help retailers understand the expectations of stakeholders, measure how well companies are perceived in meeting these expectations and develop strategies that keep companies ahead of the curve.
“Over the past 30 years, public trust and confidence in business has been steadily declining, and expectations for corporate reputation are changing and growing rapidly,” said Dumont. “Companies in the retail industry are confronting a wide range of unique challenges that affect public confidence and trust and the ability to remain competitive in the marketplace. From concerns about product safety and labor practices to growing expectations for community engagement and environmental responsibility, stakeholders are demanding more than ever from retailers to remain trusted and leading corporate citizens.”
The APCO study will measure the impact of reputation on consumer behavior, community activism, the policy environment, the litigation environment and the financial value of retail companies. The research will be conducted through a national survey that will guage perceptions of the retail industry overall, as well as individual retail companies, on a wide range of discrete issues and expectations.
Results will be available later this year. For more information, please contact Bryan Dumont at 202.778.1000 or bdumont@apcoworldwide.com.
Learn more about the study 
About APCO Worldwide
Founded in 1984, APCO Worldwide is an award-winning, independently owned global communication consultancy with offices in major cities throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO clients include corporations and governments; industry associations and nonprofit organizations; and seven of the top 10 companies on Fortune’s Global 500. APCO offers services related to business and finance; media, public opinion and society; and government and public policy. The firm is a majority women-owned business. For more information, please visit www.apcoworldwide.com.
About APCO Insight®
APCO Insight, the global opinion research consultancy at APCO Worldwide, deploys a full suite of sophisticated qualitative and quantitative research methodologies geared toward producing actionable outcomes for our clients. Drawing on our experience in more than 60 countries, we work with many of the world’s leading companies, associations, nonprofits and public-sector organizations on a diverse range of challenges. Our core research capabilities include reputation, issues management, message and creative development, and campaign management.
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Contact:
Elizabeth Wolf
+1.202.778.1470
ewolf@apcoworldwide.com