The U.S. store credit card market has changed dramatically, especially over the past few years. A large number of retailers got out of the credit card issuing business by selling their store credit card portfolios and outsourcing their card operations to private label credit card issuers. This resulted in a major shift in the ownership of U.S. store credit card receivables. As of year-end 2004, U.S. private label credit card issuers' share of the store credit card market receivables was 85% versus the 45% share in 1999.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) October 7, 2005 -- The U.S. store credit card market has changed dramatically, especially over the past few years.

A large number of retailers got out of the credit card issuing business by selling their store credit card portfolios and outsourcing their card operations to private label credit card issuers. This resulted in a major shift in the ownership of U.S. store credit card receivables. As of year-end 2004, U.S. private label credit card issuers' share of the store credit card market receivables was 85% versus the 45% share in 1999.

The trend did not end in 2004. Most recently Federated and Bon-Ton stores announced that they have agreed to sell their store credit card portfolios. By the end of 2006, when the conversion of these portfolios are completed, private label credit card issuers will increase their market share to more than 92% (based on 2004 figures.

Report Highlights:

* As of year end 2004, U.S. private label credit card issuers’ share of the store credit card market receivables was 85% versus the 45% share in 1999.

* When the conversion of recently acquired portfolios are completed at the end of 2006, private label credit card issuers will increase their market share to more than 92%.

* Outsourced or managed in-house, retailers will keep store credit card programs because these programs provide a number of benefits including increased sales, additional revenue, increased margins, and increased loyalty.

* Private label credit card issuers will employ a number of strategies to generate growth including cross-sells, introduction of new products, portfolio conversions, multi-channel marketing (Web, direct mail, in-store), and portfolio acquisitions.

* Products that bring an innovative approach to co-branding such as the Starbucks Duetto Card or the Wal-Mart Discover offer the highest potential for success in this market.

"Private label credit issuers continue to signal the market that they are willing to buy more store card portfolios as they become available", comments Evren Bayri, Director for Mercator Advisory Group's Credit Advisory Service. "This is good for growing through acquisitions but as a next step, private label issuers and retailers need to find ways to generate organic growth. Using an innovative approach to co-branding such as the Starbucks Duetto Card or the Wal-Mart Discover could be a solution."

This report provides an update on the U.S. store credit card market; it explains how the market has evolved into its current state, it looks at market trends and store credit card statistics. It also covers industry players and their current initiatives, and provides an analysis for the future direction of the industry.

The report contains 24 pages and 16 exhibits.

Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to this report as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits. Please visit us online at www.mercatoradvisorygroup.com.

For more information call Mercator Advisory Group's main line: 781-419-1700.

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