The latest Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) shows an overall optimistic view of the U.S. economy. But a closer look at two of the country’s iconic industries reveals a different story. A poster child for America’s economic rebound, manufacturing basks in a positive outlook and robust demand. Meanwhile, retail struggles under the weight of its brick-and-mortar legacy and fickle consumers. This infographic compares manufacturing and retail data from the IBR report and captures two different views of the near-term economic future. More at http://gt-us.co/1nTFsGC

1. A TALE OF TWO INDUSTRIES:
How U.S. manufacturing, retail stack up
Grant Thornton International Business Report
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About the CFO survey
IBR is a survey of both publicly and privately held businesses. Interviews with 3,300 businesses
from all industry sectors across the globe were conducted during May 2014. The sample size used
for this infographic is 111 U.S. manufacturing and retail companies. The target respondents are
chief executive officers, managing directors, chairmen or other senior executives.
Manufacturers expand their
offerings to attract new customers
48+52+N
Retailers focus on effective
operations and sales
MANUFACTURERS
Key growth indicators reveal a big gap between the two industries
Retailers are less concerned about
regulations than manufacturers.
VS.
Develop a new product or service line
EXPECTING
MORE PROFITS
PLANNING TO HIRE
NEW STAFF
46% 34%More than twice as many retailers
plan to freeze salaries for the next year
(28% vs. 12% of manufacturers).
The quality of the IT and communications
infrastructure is more important to
retailers than manufacturers.
44%
53%
Manufacturers
Retailers
How key business issues affect manufacturers and retailers*
Manufacturers
Retailers
OPTIMISM
for the next year
80% 51%Twice as many manufacturers plan
to increase their R&D spending over the next
year (52% vs. 25% of retailers).
Manufacturers Retailers
74% 66%Half of retailers think there’s high or relatively
high uncertainty about the U.S. economy. Less
than one-third of manufacturers agree.
Manufacturers
Retailers
48%
40+60+N Increase marketing spending
40%
36+64+N Incentivize productivity improvements
36%
62+38+N 62%
46+54+N 46%
34+66+N 34%
Improve the sales force effectiveness
and expand domestically (tied)
Increase marketing spending
Incentivize productivity improvements
Plans for the next year expose different strategic priorities
*Percentages include “high importance” or “relatively high importance” responses.
RETAILERS
13%
28% Manufacturers
Retailers