Copy article

ONS retail sales: "Flat is an understatement"

ended 22. March 2024

Retail sales volumes (quantity bought) were estimated to be flat (0.0%) in February 2024, following an increase of 3.6% in January 2024 (revised from an increase of 3.4%), according to official data published this morning. Newspage asked independent retailers for their views on the sector, below, which will keep appearing until 11am.

2 responses from the Newspage community

Copy all

Star Quote
Copy

Natalie Ormond
Owner at Smallkind
Being a small retailer right now is awful. The cost of every single service we use has gone up and the money coming in is way down. As a company stocking sustainable brands, I am really worried. People generally equate sustainable with expensive, which is usually not true, and right now it feels like only fast and cheap products are selling. It's really tough out there.
Star Quote
Copy

Legend
Jenny Blyth
Small business owner at Storm in a Teacup Gifts
Flat is an understatement. These are dire times for retailers. The cost of living crisis is still taking its toll and people having less money in their pockets due to higher rents and mortgage payments is being felt by retailers across the country. 2024 has been so bad that I've had to get another job just to make ends meet. The Government is full of hot air and just trying to coast through to the election. It's appalling. I am waiting for a General Election and an improvement in the financial landscape of this country. We desperately need it.