Helen Dickinson
This coverage follows Helen Dickinson’s leadership and contributions to the UK retail industry. Reporting includes her public statements, policy advocacy, industry insights, and role in shaping retail strategies and government relations. Designed for senior retail professionals and decision-makers, it offers context on her influence over regulatory developments, sector challenges, and opportunities affecting retail operations and management.
-
Aug- 2019 -28 AugustHigh Street
Shop prices down amid ‘weak consumer spending’ and ‘stiff competition’
August Shop Prices fell by 0.4% compared to a 0.1% decrease in July attributed to “weak consumer spending” and “stiff competition, according to latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index. This is below the 12 and six-month average price increases, both of 0.3%, and is the fastest rate of decline since June…
Read More » -
13 AugustHigh Street
Over 50 retailers sign letter demanding business rates fix
Over fifty major retailers have come together to demand the government takes action to fix the “broken” business rates system. In a letter to the new chancellor, Sajid Javid, retailers have called on the government to put business rates “at the heart” of the promised new economic package. The letter,…
Read More » -
12 AugustHigh Street
Shop vacancies at highest rate in four years
The number of vacant stores across the UK’s high streets has hit the highest level in over four years. According to the latest figures from Springboard and the BRC footfall and vacancies monitor, the national town centre vacancy rate was 10.3% in July, a slight increase on the previous quarters…
Read More » -
6 AugustHigh Street
July consumer spending hits record low
UK consumer spending in the month of July fell to a record low despite the good weather, according to the latest statistics from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG. On a total basis, sales increased by 0.3% in July, against an increase of 1.6% the previous year, it is…
Read More » -
Jul- 2019 -25 JulyPeople Moves
Retail employment falls 2.3%, 14th consecutive quarter of decline
Retail employment has fallen by 2.3% during the three-month period ending 30 June, marking the 14th consecutive month of decline. According to the figures from the BRC, the decline is equivalent to around 72,000 more jobs lost than compared to the same period last year. Full-time employment also saw a…
Read More » -
15 JulyHigh Street
Retail footfall ‘slumps’ in June
Footfall declined by 2.9% in June, attributed to the “exceptional and ongoing disruptive political and economic period”, according to retail intelligence firm Springboard. On a three-month basis, footfall decreased by 2.4%, and the six and 12–month averages were found to be -1.3% and -1.7% respectively. High street footfall also declined…
Read More » -
9 JulyEconomy
‘Worst June on record’ for retail sales, says BRC
On a total basis, sales decreased by 1.3% in June, against an increase of 2.3% in June 2018, according to new data from the BRC. The group said the decline dragged the three-month average into a decline of 0.1% and the 12-month average to an increase of 0.6%, the lowest…
Read More » -
Jun- 2019 -4 JuneHigh Street
Retail sales in May see ‘biggest decline on record’
Sales decreased by 2.7% in May on a total basis, excluding Easter distortions, making it the “worst decline” since records began in January 1995, according to the latest BRC-KPMG sales monitor. However, the BRC said this was against an increase of 4.1% in May 2018, itself a four year record.…
Read More » -
May- 2019 -30 MayEconomy
Shop price inflation pushed up by non-food price rises
Shop price inflation increased by 0.8% year-on-year in May, with non-food inflation also increasing by 0.2%, according to the latest figures from the BRC and Nielsen. The BRC said the growth in May was the second highest inflation rate seen in the last six years, though it remains “well below”…
Read More » -
13 MayEconomy
Shop vacancy rate rises to highest level in four years
The national town centre vacancy rate rose to 10.2% empty outlets, according to data from the BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor. This is an increase on the previous quarter’s 9.9% rise and the highest vacancy rate seen since April 2015. In the four weeks from 31 March to 27 April,…
Read More »
