Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
After the latest sales figures from the Office of National Statistics showed a 0.2% fall in sales month on month and flat growth over the last year, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “Retailers will be concerned by the slump in sales, just as they begin their preparations for the all-important Christmas period.
“Fuel shortages, wet weather, and low consumer confidence all contributed to lower consumer demand this month.”
Dickinson added: “For the sake of the UK’s economic recovery, it is vital that retail sales bounce back as we near the festive season.
“Labour shortages across the supply chains, on farms, factories, warehouses and lorry drivers, all threaten to derail this recovery and it is vital that Government finds a long term solution to this problem.
“Labour shortages, alongside higher energy, commodity, and transport costs, are all putting pressure on prices, with three in five retailers warning of higher prices before Christmas.”
