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22/03/2002
Figures show retails sales on the rise
UK retails sales have exceeded analysts' forecasts, according to the latest official figures which show sales volumes growing at their fastest rate since January 2000.
The data from the Office for National Statistics details that retails sales grew by 1.5 per cent in February from one month earlier, far above initial forecasts which suggested a rise of 0.5 per cent. February's figure also represent a rise of 5.9 per cent on the same period one year earlier.
The news - which reverses the recent trend of a decline in sales volumes – will be of interest to the Bank of England, which has stressed that increased consumer spending and borrowing could necessitate a rise in interest rates. However, figures released earlier in the week have shown that the spectre of a rise in inflation – which often accompanies a climate of consumer spending and low interest rates – has failed to raise its head, having dropped to 2.2 per cent. This figure means inflation has decreased by 0.4 per cent since January.
The Bank of England will next meet to discuss interest rates on 3-4 April. (CL)
The data from the Office for National Statistics details that retails sales grew by 1.5 per cent in February from one month earlier, far above initial forecasts which suggested a rise of 0.5 per cent. February's figure also represent a rise of 5.9 per cent on the same period one year earlier.
The news - which reverses the recent trend of a decline in sales volumes – will be of interest to the Bank of England, which has stressed that increased consumer spending and borrowing could necessitate a rise in interest rates. However, figures released earlier in the week have shown that the spectre of a rise in inflation – which often accompanies a climate of consumer spending and low interest rates – has failed to raise its head, having dropped to 2.2 per cent. This figure means inflation has decreased by 0.4 per cent since January.
The Bank of England will next meet to discuss interest rates on 3-4 April. (CL)
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UK clothing retailer, Marks & Spencer has marked a nine-month period of strong sales performance to its marketing efforts and to the early Easter holiday. The company's latest trading figures revealed a stronger than expected rise in sales with predictions of a strong performance in the months ahead.
M&S reveal stronger than expected sales performance
UK clothing retailer, Marks & Spencer has marked a nine-month period of strong sales performance to its marketing efforts and to the early Easter holiday. The company's latest trading figures revealed a stronger than expected rise in sales with predictions of a strong performance in the months ahead.
14 January 2002
HMV report dramatic sales increase
HMV, the UK books, music and multimedia retailer, has recorded soaring sales during the trading periods of Christmas and New Year. HMV Media reported that like-for-like sales - the comparion of sales in shops that were open a year ago - had risen by almost 12 per cent during December and early January.
HMV report dramatic sales increase
HMV, the UK books, music and multimedia retailer, has recorded soaring sales during the trading periods of Christmas and New Year. HMV Media reported that like-for-like sales - the comparion of sales in shops that were open a year ago - had risen by almost 12 per cent during December and early January.
30 August 2001
Jefferson Smurfit Group report rise in sales
Jefferson Smurfit Group (JSG), the paper-based packaging group based in Dublin, have reported its interim pre-tax profit unchanged year-on-year at £116 million and EPS of 9.1 per cent.
Jefferson Smurfit Group report rise in sales
Jefferson Smurfit Group (JSG), the paper-based packaging group based in Dublin, have reported its interim pre-tax profit unchanged year-on-year at £116 million and EPS of 9.1 per cent.
24 August 2001
Shorts reveal rise in profits
The Belfast aerospace company, Shorts, have announced a rise in profits of six per cent over the past year. The firm also made a total of £57 million while sales rose by around 25 per cent to £500 million due to the buoyant markets for regional and business aircraft.
Shorts reveal rise in profits
The Belfast aerospace company, Shorts, have announced a rise in profits of six per cent over the past year. The firm also made a total of £57 million while sales rose by around 25 per cent to £500 million due to the buoyant markets for regional and business aircraft.
02 April 2002
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
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