Interest Rates
This coverage explores UK interest rate movements and their impact on the retail industry, focusing on monetary policy decisions, borrowing costs, consumer spending, and retailer financing strategies. Reporting highlights how rate changes affect sales dynamics, investment planning, and operational budgets — providing insight for executives, finance leads, and business strategists navigating economic volatility.
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Jul- 2024 -11 JulyEconomy
UK economy beats expectations as GDP jumps 0.4%
UK gross domestic product (GDP) beat expectations in May, increasing 0.4%, as a result of better weather, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). An unseasonably wet April dented consumer sentiment and hurt construction leading to the slight increase. Construction grew at the fastest rate in almost…
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Jun- 2024 -21 JuneNews
Today’s news in brief-21/6/24
UK retail sales saw a notable increase of 2.9% in May 2024, reversing a 1.8% decline in April. According to the Office for National Statistics, sales volumes rose across various sectors, with clothing retailers and furniture stores rebounding after poor weather in April. Over the three months to May 2024,…
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21 JuneEconomy
BoE decision a ‘blow for Gen Z spending’, says RSM UK
The economic impact of high interest rates is set to hit Gen Z spending for the next 12 months, “prolonging the challenge for retailers and hospitality businesses as discretionary spend gets squeezed”, according to accountancy firm RSM. A survey of 2,000 consumers conducted on behalf of RSM UK shows Gen…
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21 JuneEconomy
UK retail sales jump 2.9% in May
UK retail sales volumes rose by 2.9% in May 2024, following a fall of 1.8% in April 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales volumes rose across most sectors, with clothing retailers and furniture stores rebounding following poor weather in April. More broadly, sales volumes rose by…
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20 JuneEconomy
BoE holds interest rates for 7th consecutive month
Interest rates have remained unchanged at 5.25% for the seventh consecutive month, the Bank of England has announced. The bank’s MPC voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain the rate, despite inflation hitting its target and falling to 2% in May. UK inflation hit its target for the first time…
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12 JuneNews
Today’s news in brief-12/6/24
The UK economy stalled in April 2024, showing no growth after a 0.4% increase in March, as wet weather significantly dampened consumer spending, according to the Office for National Statistics. Services output did rise by 0.2% for the fourth consecutive month and grew by 0.9% over the three months to…
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May- 2024 -30 MayFeatures
How to know when your retail company is ready for outside investment
In today’s retail market, acquisition has become a common strategy for growth, expansion, and exit. For retailers, understanding when their business is ready to be acquired is crucial. Being acquisition-ready means positioning your business in a way that makes it attractive to potential buyers while ensuring that you can achieve…
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10 MayClothing & Shoes
Mothercare enters refinancing talks amid sales decline
Mothercare is exploring its refinancing options after sales fell by 13% to £281m in the year ended 30 March 2024, down from £323m the prior year.According to the group, retail sales were affected by global economic uncertainties, as well as partners still clearing inventory due to suppressed demand during Covid.…
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7 MayHigh Street
Retail sales fall 4% in April
UK total retail sales decreased by 4% YOY in April, against a growth of 5.1% in April 2023, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This was below the 3-month average growth of 0.5% and the 12-month average growth of 2.2%. However, when correcting for the distortion created by…
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Apr- 2024 -8 AprilHigh Street
Number of retailers going insolvent jumps to 2,195, says Mazars
The number of insolvencies of retailers increased 19% in the past year to 2,195 in 2023/24, up from 1,843 in 2022/23, Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory firm has found. High profile retail insolvencies include The Body Shop in February, as well as fashion brand Ted Baker and online…
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