Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for urgent government intervention following “disappointing” December retail figures, which show sales volumes fell by 0.3% following a modest 0.1% rise in November 2024.
The figures, released by the BRC on Friday (17 January), revealed that while non-food stores such as clothing retailers saw some recovery, this was insufficient to offset falls in other sectors, particularly supermarkets.
Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, believes these figures highlight the urgent need for government support for the retail sector.
This call for action comes as retailers face mounting pressures from upcoming cost increases, with the planned business rates rise posing a particular threat to independent high street retailers.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “The retail sales in December perfectly sum up the difficulties that retailers (especially non-food retailers) have faced in 2024. Consumer confidence has been low all year despite wages rising more than inflation and a new government being elected.
“It also means that many retailers will look forward to 2025 with much trepidation, especially as we know that the costs of running a shop are set to increase significantly from April onwards – increases in employment costs and 140% increase in business rates. We are urging the government to reconsider reversing the rate increase if they are serious about revitalising high streets.”
