The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that retail sales in August rose by 3.3% compared with the same month a year earlier and by 0.3% on a month-to-month basis. This has surprised economists who had expected shoppers to rein in their spending. The unexpected results were driven by a rise of 4.5% in the
Alan Monahan writes: As with my own appearance, the face of Autumn Fair is much changed from the show I first visited more than 20 years ago. But like me, it has managed to keep a spring in its step despite some shrinkage! And while some exhibitors at the NEC were bemoaning the fact that
A survey by the Nottingham Building Society has revealed that 46% of shop owners blame the closure of local bank branches in the last three years for damaging their businesses, while 24% said it contributed to them going out of business within the last five years. Retailers are also being hit by lower footfall, with
Alan Monahan writes: A month ago I mentioned in my column that the British Retail Consortium was calling for a two-year freeze on business rates. Helen Dickinson, its chief executive, has now reopened discussion about the outmoded tax system and the woes of our industry. She doesn’t believe that a successful transformation can be achieved
Retail Reflections: Why small retailers matter Read More »
More than 82% of UK consumers would rather shop in a bricks and mortar store than buy online because products can be viewed before committing to a purchase, according to e-commerce agency PushON. However, its survey of 1,000 shoppers revealed that 52% of those believe that retailers need to offer a more seamless experience between
Retail news round-up: Preference for shopping in physical stores; Christmas comes early Read More »
Alan Monahan writes: I was on the way home from Harrogate when I realised that the sharp, stabbing pain in my lower back signalled that I would probably be forced to make a hasty return. Confirmation came quickly. Stopping the car and fishing in my back pocket I found my hotel room key. Stupid boy!
Retail Reflections: Buyers and sellers gear up for Christmas; What Amazon Can’t Do Read More »
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