Supercenter 2004 sales forecast raised to $157.7 billion.(J.M. Degen and Company Inc.)(Brief Article)

Food Institute Report, The, December, 2004

J.M. Degen & Company, Inc.'s Supermerchants 2004 calendar year sales forecast has been raised to $157.7 billion, up from the previous forecast of $154.7 billion, due to the opening of a large number of Wal-Mart Supercenters in 2004. Wal-Mart's total through November 2004 is 1,672 units.

If realized, the $157.7 billion forecast would be a 14.4% increase over calendar year 2003. Earlier, J.M. Degen reported that the membership club industry is on track to reach and possibly exceed Supermerchants forecast of $96.9 billion in retail sales for calendar year 2004 (see FOOD INSTITUTE REPORT Dec. 6, page 2).