With the declining economy and high gas prices, Americans are actively seeking bargains across a range of merchandise available in one store rather than the depth of product or expertise available at a specialty retailer. In other words, Mom would rather get all the back-to-college shopping done at a discount store instead of 10 specialty retailers. In her 3-hour visit to a Wal*Mart (rather than 2 day trek around town), she may also pick up the bargain tv for Dad or a mini-fridge for her own bedroom while she’s there because they are on sale. What does Best Buy *uniquely* offer that would motivate her (or her husband) into your stores?

Look at the retailers who have closed 100+ stores, filed Chap 11 recently or gone out of business altogether: Wilson’s Leather, Children’s Place, Linens n Things, Sharper Image, Foot Locker, Zales and others.
http://money.aol.com/special/retail-stores-closing-doors

Bottom line: you need to make the store visit relevant for your customers and your brand needs to stand for something meaningful in their minds.