11/12/2012
Retail Traffic Strong In Run-Up To Christmas
Retail footfall results show a significant leap in shopping activity as Christmas nears.
The Ipsos Retail Traffic Index (RTI) recorded an increase of 11.2% in the number of non-food shopping trips across the UK for w/c 25th November compared to the previous week.
The rate of acceleration at this point in the campaign is slightly better than it was last year, for the fourth full week before Christmas Day, and well ahead of the three years prior to that.
The result for the week is marginally higher than Ipsos' forecast which had expected a 10% jump against w/c 18th November.
Against the corresponding week of 2011 (w/c 27th November), traffic levels were down 6.7% this year, though there are two extra shopping days this side of Christmas Day this year.
"It looks as if shoppers have taken heed of possible stock shortages on top selling lines and have got out there early and made a start on their gift buying this year," said Dr Tim Denison, Head of Retail Intelligence at Ipsos Retail Performance. "The long range forecast of a prolonged spell of wintry weather may also be playing on the minds of people who got caught out and were unable to reach the shops in time in the past two years.
"If things continue in a similar vein, December footfall may be slightly stronger than the 2.1% deficit on last year that we have forecast, which would be welcome news for retailers."
Unsurprisingly the parts of the country that saw the strongest week-on-week rise in footfall were the regions worst affected by the heavy rain and flooding of the previous weeks. In South West England and Wales, the number of shopping trips was 16% higher than the previous week, and in London and the South East figures were up by 12.1%.
(GK)
The Ipsos Retail Traffic Index (RTI) recorded an increase of 11.2% in the number of non-food shopping trips across the UK for w/c 25th November compared to the previous week.
The rate of acceleration at this point in the campaign is slightly better than it was last year, for the fourth full week before Christmas Day, and well ahead of the three years prior to that.
The result for the week is marginally higher than Ipsos' forecast which had expected a 10% jump against w/c 18th November.
Against the corresponding week of 2011 (w/c 27th November), traffic levels were down 6.7% this year, though there are two extra shopping days this side of Christmas Day this year.
"It looks as if shoppers have taken heed of possible stock shortages on top selling lines and have got out there early and made a start on their gift buying this year," said Dr Tim Denison, Head of Retail Intelligence at Ipsos Retail Performance. "The long range forecast of a prolonged spell of wintry weather may also be playing on the minds of people who got caught out and were unable to reach the shops in time in the past two years.
"If things continue in a similar vein, December footfall may be slightly stronger than the 2.1% deficit on last year that we have forecast, which would be welcome news for retailers."
Unsurprisingly the parts of the country that saw the strongest week-on-week rise in footfall were the regions worst affected by the heavy rain and flooding of the previous weeks. In South West England and Wales, the number of shopping trips was 16% higher than the previous week, and in London and the South East figures were up by 12.1%.
(GK)
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New figures from the Office for National Statistics have revealed a 1.5% drop in retail sales in January, down from a pre-Christmas boost of 2.5% but still 4.4% up on January 2013. Comparing year-on-year figures for January there was an 8% increase in non-food sales, with sales of household good increasing by 9.
ONS Figures Show Year-On-Year Increase In Retail Sales
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Sharp Increase In Online Christmas Sales - BRC
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Sharp Increase In Online Christmas Sales - BRC
New data has revealed there was a surge in online shopping in the run up to the Christmas period. The survey, published by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said that an increasing use of tablets and smartphones, as well as fast delivery times added to the sharp rise in online shopping before Christmas.
15 April 2013
Poor Weather Affects Business Activity
Retailers and small businesses have said the poor weather in March has damaged business activity. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) added that the number of people visiting shops last month fell by 5.2% compared to a year ago.
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06 March 2012
Consumers Still Not Spending
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.
Consumers Still Not Spending
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.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.