Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index
figures, which showed 5.3% year-on-year sales growth in
November (non-seasonally adjusted retail sales excluding fuel:
J3L2), Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail
Consortium, said:
“The spread of Omicron may have slowed Christmas spending, but
the perseverance of retailers helped deliver a successful
Christmas for consumers. Retail workers pulled out all the stops
to overcome supply chain issues, including an ongoing shortage of
lorry drivers, to keep customers’ homes stocked with festive
items. Growth in food outperformed non-food as many categories
that had seen growth in November fell into decline, including
furniture and household appliances.
“Customers face strong headwinds in 2022, with energy prices and
National Insurance contributions both set to rise. The remaining
disposable income also faces greater competition from a
resurgence in tourism, eating out, sport and live music. Rising
inflation is reducing consumer demand while increasing the costs
for businesses. Retailers face rising wage bills, increased
transport costs, and increased checks and documentation as a
result of new import controls, all of which are forcing up prices
at the checkout.”
-ENDS-
All changes are year-on-year and non-seasonally adjusted.
· All retailing, Excluding
Automotive fuel, All businesses (J3L2): 5.3%
· All retailing,
Excluding Automotive fuel, Large businesses (J3L3): 4.6%
· Predominantly
Non-food Stores, All Businesses (EAIB): 2.9%
· Predominantly
Non-food Stores, Large Businesses (EAIV): 2.2%
· Internet sales, all retail
growth (KP3T): -6.9%
· Online penetration
rate for all retail (J4MC): 27.7%
