UK retail sales fall

UK retail sales fell in August, down 0.9% from July, as the easing of pandemic restrictions, supply chain disruptions and a shift in consumer spending away from supermarkets and towards pubs and restaurants .

According to the latest data , food sales fell 1.2% in the month after offline restrictions were eased , with people increasing their spending on social activities such as restaurants, pubs and bars.

Especially after strong demand in the summer, retail sales growth slowed in September to the lowest level in three months and below forecasts. According to economists, "lack of inventory remains the biggest problem." But a rebound is expected in October.

Local experts believe that household spending will not return to its pre-pandemic peak until the third quarter of 2022.

Supply chain disruptions have also put pressure on retailers, with sales in many categories falling . The UK's largest retailer said that current inventory levels are at their lowest since the 1980s , and the country is facing severe pressure from labor and commodity shortages due to the epidemic and Brexit.

Retailers are facing their busiest time of the year as sales peak , but Black Friday and Christmas could be disrupted by stock shortages.

"Many large retailers have warned about their ability to stock shelves and if the current shortage of truck drivers is not resolved, the UK online market will face a huge test in the run-up to Christmas."

The Office for National Statistics said 6.5% of retail businesses were unable to get the materials, goods or services they needed in August. Department stores were the worst hit, with 18.2 % of sellers surveyed by government statisticians reporting the problem.

“And the survey shows that these shortages are not expected to ease until at least next year, if not longer.”

It is the peak sales season, and the current problems we face are numerous and difficult. Sellers must also pay attention to the latest developments in a timely manner.

U.K.

retail

Europe