Retail Changes Ongoing: ; Analysts Say Buyout of May by Federated Will Have the Biggest Effect On Shoppers

Summary

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NEW YORK - The shakeout from this year's frenzy of retail consolidation will become more visible to consumers next year, from local department stores disappearing into the Macy's chain to a better selection of store-owned labels on the racks.

But consolidation, particularly Federated Department Stores Inc.'s purchase of May Department Stores Co., means less competition, and less incentive for stores to keep discounting, which is bad news for shoppers. On the other hand, a bigger Federated will be able to negotiate lower prices from its suppliers and pass on those savings.

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Retail Changes Ongoing: ; Analysts Say Buyout of May by Federated Will Have the Biggest Effect On Shoppers

After last year's string of deals, capped by the Sears-Kmart marriage, there were plenty more transactions this year, fueled by merchants' ne...

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