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08/01/2013
Retail Sales 'Flat' Over Christmas
UK retail sales values were up 0.3% on a like-for-like basis from December 2011.
On a total basis, sales were up 1.5%, against a 4.1% rise in December 2011.
The discrepancy between the rate of growth for food and non-food has been narrowing in recent months to the detriment of food.
Online sales were up 17.8%, the fastest growth since December 2011, when they had risen by 18.5%.
Helen Dickinson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said: "Against the relentlessly tough economic backdrop and low expectations, these results are not a cause for celebration, but not a disaster either.
"Total growth for December hasn't beaten inflation and is only on a par with December 2010, when severe weather put sales volumes on ice for much of the month. Online was the stand-out performer, showing its highest rate of growth this year. Shoppers are increasingly taking advantage of the convenience that online shopping offers at every stage of the customer journey, from comparing prices to reserving and collecting in-store.
David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: "A flat end to a flat year is perhaps the best way to describe the Christmas trading for 2012. Despite mild, albeit wet, weather for the whole of the last quarter and an extra full weekend immediately prior to Christmas, the final quarter saw total sales rise only 1.5 per cent on the previous year and like-for-likes rise by only 0.2 per cent - both rises lower than inflation.
"Retailers this year were perhaps better prepared for a sluggish quarter and held less stock throughout. The stand-off between retailers and consumers looking for bargains and discounts continued throughout December and, while some retailers will report record Christmas sales, most will breathe a sigh of relief because it could have been much worse. Footfall rose in the last week of the year as consumers sought out some bargains but the year's trading is made in the six weeks leading up to Christmas, not the six days after it.
"January will be a tough month for retailers as consumers face up to their credit card bills after Christmas and it's likely 2013 will bring more of the same challenges. While consumer confidence remains low, shoppers will tighten their belts and rein in their spending, making life difficult for the average UK retailer. There will be no boom and it's likely more than a few will go bust."
(GK)
On a total basis, sales were up 1.5%, against a 4.1% rise in December 2011.
The discrepancy between the rate of growth for food and non-food has been narrowing in recent months to the detriment of food.
Online sales were up 17.8%, the fastest growth since December 2011, when they had risen by 18.5%.
Helen Dickinson, Director General, British Retail Consortium, said: "Against the relentlessly tough economic backdrop and low expectations, these results are not a cause for celebration, but not a disaster either.
"Total growth for December hasn't beaten inflation and is only on a par with December 2010, when severe weather put sales volumes on ice for much of the month. Online was the stand-out performer, showing its highest rate of growth this year. Shoppers are increasingly taking advantage of the convenience that online shopping offers at every stage of the customer journey, from comparing prices to reserving and collecting in-store.
David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: "A flat end to a flat year is perhaps the best way to describe the Christmas trading for 2012. Despite mild, albeit wet, weather for the whole of the last quarter and an extra full weekend immediately prior to Christmas, the final quarter saw total sales rise only 1.5 per cent on the previous year and like-for-likes rise by only 0.2 per cent - both rises lower than inflation.
"Retailers this year were perhaps better prepared for a sluggish quarter and held less stock throughout. The stand-off between retailers and consumers looking for bargains and discounts continued throughout December and, while some retailers will report record Christmas sales, most will breathe a sigh of relief because it could have been much worse. Footfall rose in the last week of the year as consumers sought out some bargains but the year's trading is made in the six weeks leading up to Christmas, not the six days after it.
"January will be a tough month for retailers as consumers face up to their credit card bills after Christmas and it's likely 2013 will bring more of the same challenges. While consumer confidence remains low, shoppers will tighten their belts and rein in their spending, making life difficult for the average UK retailer. There will be no boom and it's likely more than a few will go bust."
(GK)
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Shoppers have continued to keep their spending in check despite recent signs of hope for the UK economy. According to The British Retail Consortium UK retail sales values were down 0.3% on a like-for-like basis from February 2011, when sales had fallen 0.4%. Total sales, including store openings, were up 2.3% but with inflation at 3.
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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.
20 January 2012
UK Retail Sales Rise 0.6% In December
UK retail sales rose 0.6% between November and December, according to official figures on Friday. The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed sales were 2.6% higher than December 2010. Retailers, including Marks and Spencer, said the slight rise was the result of marking prices down sharply in the run-up to Christmas.
UK Retail Sales Rise 0.6% In December
UK retail sales rose 0.6% between November and December, according to official figures on Friday. The data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed sales were 2.6% higher than December 2010. Retailers, including Marks and Spencer, said the slight rise was the result of marking prices down sharply in the run-up to Christmas.
10 January 2012
Retail Sales Soar During Christmas Rush
UK retail sales were boosted by a pre-Christmas rush. Sales values were 2.2% higher on a like-for-like basis from December 2010, when sales had fallen 0.3%, hit by snow. On a total basis, sales were up 4.1%, against a 1.5% increase in December 2010. On both measures and excluding Easter distortions, sales performance was the best since January.
Retail Sales Soar During Christmas Rush
UK retail sales were boosted by a pre-Christmas rush. Sales values were 2.2% higher on a like-for-like basis from December 2010, when sales had fallen 0.3%, hit by snow. On a total basis, sales were up 4.1%, against a 1.5% increase in December 2010. On both measures and excluding Easter distortions, sales performance was the best since January.
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