High Street slowdown

Article Abstract:

United Kingdom retailers have been hit by a drop in consumer confidence as interest rates have risen. This has especially hit retailers selling expensive items such as carpets and fridges, but department stores and clothing stores are also affected. Household goods sales increased by 21% in 1997, boosted by windfalls from building society conversions. Outdoor goods sales have been affected by bad weather in April and Jun 1998. There have been a number of one-off factors, but there also appears to be a slowdown in underlying growth. Tourist spending has been affected by the high value of pound sterling, but food and drink sales have risen.

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UK retailing: buying time

Article Abstract:

UK retailers have been underperforming in terms of their share price, but this could change. Retailers are affected by high interest rates, but concern over interest rate rises is easing. A rise in the value of pound sterling could also help retailers by cutting the cost of imports. Retailers are also less affected by a strong pound than other sectors. There are still some problems for retailers such as high inventory levels held by certain companies, and the impact of a possible tightening of fiscal and monetary policy on the sector.

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The consumer dog that didn't bark

Article Abstract:

UK retail sales are showing slower growth in early 1997, although consumer confidence is strong. This is partly due to a rise in inflation and a reduction in bargains available in shops. Income growth may not be as strong as expected and real growth could be some 1.3% for 4th qtr 1996, taking inflation of 2.6% from income growth of 3.9%. Stronger wage growth and a reviving housing market could both boost inflation later in 1997, but interest rates may not have to be raised as much as had been feared.

Prices, Inflation (Finance), Inflation (Economics)

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