Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index
figures, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of
the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Retail sales are being squeezed by a combination of low demand,
high inflation and rising costs. The fall in demand comes as
consumers reign in their discretionary spending following a
significant reduction to real incomes for households across the
UK. Meanwhile, retailers face higher food and commodity prices,
increased shipping and transport costs, and the tightest labour
market in decades.
“Retailers are working hard to support their customers by keeping
costs down where they can, and expanding affordable ranges,
however it is impossible to mitigate all the costs coming through
their supply chains. Until inflation is brought to heel, and
consumer confidence returns, retailers could be in for some
difficult times ahead, with lower demand and reduced margins.”
-ENDS-
All changes are year-on-year, non-seasonally adjusted, and
are not adjusted for inflation (9.0% in April according
to CPI)
· All retailing, Excluding
Automotive fuel, All businesses (J3L2): 2.7%
· All retailing,
Excluding Automotive fuel, Large businesses (J3L3): 3.1%
· Predominantly Food
Stores, All Businesses (EAIA): 2.2%
· Predominantly
Non-food Stores, All Businesses (EAIB): 6.0%
· Internet sales, all retail
growth (KP3T): -10.0%
· Online penetration
rate for all retail (J4MC): 26.4%
