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.
-
Aug- 2024 -9 AugustDIY
CMO sales fall by 17% in H1 amid poor weather
CMO has seen H1 sales fall by 17% to £30.3m, down from £36.9m the prior year, after first quarter sales were hit by poor weather during the period.Over the half-year period, Building sales fell by 13%, while Plumbing was down by 12.4%. Its Tiles business was the most impacted, however,…
Read More » -
1 AugustEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates for first time in 4 years
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates for the first time in four years, with the rate falling to 5%. The bank voted by a majority of 5–4 to reduce the rate by 0.25 percentage points to 5%, marking the first fall in inflation since March 2020, where…
Read More » -
Jul- 2024 -17 JulyHigh Street
The Perfume Shop profits fall despite rise in revenues
The Perfume Shop has reported a fall in profits from £23.7m to £21.4m despite a 4.6% rise in revenues to £302.4m for the 52-week period ending 30 December 2023. Its profit after tax also dipped to £15.4m. The group stated that consumer sentiment remains subdued as inflationary pressures and high…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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,…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More »
