Menu
16/09/2010
UK High Street Sales Fall
Official figures have shown that UK retail sales were down by 0.5%, the first monthly fall since January this year.
August's fall in trade brings to an end six months of growth on the high street.
The Office For National Statistics (ONS) reported that sales of fuel, food, household goods and clothes were down. Worst affected was non-food stores with sales dipping 0.7%, driven by household goods stores. Food stores also saw a decline of 0.5%.
The sales growth in July was worse than previously calculated, with the fall in August confirming the decline.
Stores are also facing next January's VAT hike to 20%, with some battling higher costs in cotton for example, were prices are at a 15-year high.
James Knightley, Analyst at ING bank commented: "The August UK retail sales numbers are awful. This report does contradict somewhat the data from the CBI and British Retail Consortium, while both the GFK and Nationwide consumer sentiment surveys had risen in August. That said, we suspect consumer spending growth will remain subdued."
(BMcN)
August's fall in trade brings to an end six months of growth on the high street.
The Office For National Statistics (ONS) reported that sales of fuel, food, household goods and clothes were down. Worst affected was non-food stores with sales dipping 0.7%, driven by household goods stores. Food stores also saw a decline of 0.5%.
The sales growth in July was worse than previously calculated, with the fall in August confirming the decline.
Stores are also facing next January's VAT hike to 20%, with some battling higher costs in cotton for example, were prices are at a 15-year high.
James Knightley, Analyst at ING bank commented: "The August UK retail sales numbers are awful. This report does contradict somewhat the data from the CBI and British Retail Consortium, while both the GFK and Nationwide consumer sentiment surveys had risen in August. That said, we suspect consumer spending growth will remain subdued."
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 December 2004
Retail sales recover from late summer blues
The latest results for the Retail Sales Index indicate that underlying retail sales growth has partially recovered from a marked slowdown in late summer. The seasonal impact in November from Christmas shopping is in line with that of recent years with the unadjusted sales value picking up to reach £21.1bn.
Retail sales recover from late summer blues
The latest results for the Retail Sales Index indicate that underlying retail sales growth has partially recovered from a marked slowdown in late summer. The seasonal impact in November from Christmas shopping is in line with that of recent years with the unadjusted sales value picking up to reach £21.1bn.
21 July 2005
Sluggish retail sales growth peaks in June
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that in June the underlying rate of growth in retail sales volumes was the highest so far this year. However, the annual growth has remained the lowest for more than six years, according to data released today by the ONS.
Sluggish retail sales growth peaks in June
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed that in June the underlying rate of growth in retail sales volumes was the highest so far this year. However, the annual growth has remained the lowest for more than six years, according to data released today by the ONS.
16 June 2005
ONS reports retail sales ‘restrained’
The latest three-monthly growth in retail sales volume was the highest since November 2004, the Office of National Statistics has reported. However, the report warned that the underlying trend appeared “restrained” and annual growth in sales volume fell to the lowest level for six years.
ONS reports retail sales ‘restrained’
The latest three-monthly growth in retail sales volume was the highest since November 2004, the Office of National Statistics has reported. However, the report warned that the underlying trend appeared “restrained” and annual growth in sales volume fell to the lowest level for six years.
21 January 2005
Christmas sales figures 'unusually low' say ONS
UK retail sales in the UK were described as "unusually low", according to the latest Retail Sales Index (RSI) figures from the Office of National Statistics. The volume of retail sales in the three months between October to December was only 0.3% higher than in the previous three months.
Christmas sales figures 'unusually low' say ONS
UK retail sales in the UK were described as "unusually low", according to the latest Retail Sales Index (RSI) figures from the Office of National Statistics. The volume of retail sales in the three months between October to December was only 0.3% higher than in the previous three months.
25 March 2010
UK Retail Sales Jump
Retail sales between January and February grew by 2.1%, it was revealed today. It was the most significant upward trajectory since May 2008, when sales volume leaped by 2.9%. However, the Office of National Statistics said January data has been revised down, mainly due to late returns and revisions to existing data.
UK Retail Sales Jump
Retail sales between January and February grew by 2.1%, it was revealed today. It was the most significant upward trajectory since May 2008, when sales volume leaped by 2.9%. However, the Office of National Statistics said January data has been revised down, mainly due to late returns and revisions to existing data.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
