Very UK has reported that retail sales were up by 3.4% in the seven weeks to 22 December 2023, with group sales up by 2.1% overall, but warned of a “challenging” year ahead for retailers.
Over the Christmas and Black Friday period, the group said its performance was “consistently ahead” of the UK online non-food retail market, adding that it also grew its market share over the period.
According to the retailer, toys, gifts and beauty and electrical were the “standout categories”, with sales up by 8.8% and 7.4%, respectively. In particular, games consoles and perfume were among the best-selling items.
However, home was down by –2.9% year-on-year, while fashion and sports was down –3.9%. There was still good growth in premium fashion, where sales increased 14.7%.
Lionel Desclée, group CEO at The Very Group, said: “Our team delivered a brilliant range of products, strong pricing, an engaging new marketing campaign, and an improved online experience to give families everything they needed this Christmas.
“As expected in the current economic climate, consumers were on the lookout for amazing deals. We served these to existing customers and plenty of new customers during our Black Friday campaign with games consoles, wireless earbuds and perfume among our best sellers.”
He added: “Whilst we are pleased with these results, we also know that the year ahead will be challenging for all retailers. However, our operating model, which combines multi-category digital retail and flexible ways to pay, will remain resilient and continue to provide families with a one-stop-shop for everything they need.”
