The
latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) suggest things aren’t quite as bleak for retailers as the media have been suggesting.
The Retail Sales Monitor January 2009, from the BRC and advisory services firm KPMG, shows values increased by 1.1% on a like-for-like basis when compared to the same month last year. This represents the best performance since May 2008, when sales were spurred by sunny weather.
Interestingly food sales were the driver of the increase, displaying a 5.1% rise, while the non-food sector experienced a 1.6% fall.
Non-food, non-store sales (i.e. internet, mail order or telephone sales) were up 19.2% on the same period last year. Demonstrating perhaps the strength and robustness of
selling on the internet compared to traditional bricks and mortar retailing.
The BRC are saying the figures give some room for optimism, with overall sales growth higher than it's been since last May. Let’s just hope it can continue on this upward trend.
Gary Cousins,
Business Solicitor This blog is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor is it intended to be a complete and authoritative statement of the law, and what we say might be out of date by the time you read it. You should always seek legal advice to confirm whether or how any information in this blog applies to your particular situation. We offer a free 30-minute telephone advice session to discuss your particular circumstances.