Office for National Statistics
This coverage explores insights from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and their relevance to the retail sector, focusing on consumer spending data, labour market trends, price indices, and economic indicators. Reporting highlights how ONS releases inform retail strategy, performance analysis, and market forecasting — providing essential context for executives, analysts, and decision-makers in retail operations and planning.
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Jan- 2019 -21 JanuaryEconomy
ONS reports retail growth ‘slowdown’
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has announced a “slowdown” in retail growth for the whole of 2018 which it said increased by 2.7% in the quantity bought, 2% less than the peak of 4.7% experienced in 2016. For the three months to December 2018 estimates in quantity bought declined…
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Dec- 2018 -6 DecemberAdvice
It’s not too late for the high street to make a success of Christmas
Black Friday is over and retailer’s sights are now being set on the Christmas rush, as retailers look to capitalise on demand for presents, food and drink, decorations and all manner of other festive paraphernalia. Good cheer abounds, year-end bonuses are still prevalent in many sectors, and consumers are often…
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3 DecemberComment
International shoppers could be the answer to UK retailers’ woes
New data from Planet, an international payments provider, suggests that international shoppers could bring glad tidings for UK retailers in the lead up to the crucial winter trading period. The influx of tourists coming to the UK last month meant that tax free sales declines eased to 6%, marking a…
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Oct- 2018 -9 OctoberAdvice
The Brexit dividend may be nearing an end for UK retailers – so what now?
Much has been made of the potential ‘Brexit dividend’ that the economy may enjoy if the UK parts company with Brussels in March next year, with the argument polarising commentators and economists. One sector of the economy that benefitted initially after the referendum is retail, as international shoppers were able…
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Sep- 2018 -10 SeptemberHigh Street
Summer weather drives GDP and retail growth
The joint hottest summer ever and the World Cup helped the UK experience both GDP and retail growth. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said GDP increased by 0.6% in the three months to the end of July. Retail trade also saw growth of 2.1%. The retail trade contributed 0.11…
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6 SeptemberEconomy
Amazon will account for 5% of global retail, say analysts
Analysts have said they expect Amazon to account for 5% of the global retail market in the near future. The online retailer currently has a market capitalisation of 1.5% however it is nearing a $1bn valuation. Amazon’s importance in the global retail market has led to the Office for National…
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Aug- 2018 -16 AugustEconomy
Online sales and discounts help to boost retail sales
UK retail sales outperformed predictions with an increase of 0.7% in July, recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show. This signified a recovery from the previous month, which saw a 0.5% decrease in the quantity of items purchased. When compared with the same month last year, the…
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Jul- 2018 -20 JulyEconomy
High street struggles drag sterling down to $1.30
The pound has been dragged down to $1.30 by declining high street footfall and the financial woes of a slew of retail brands. An increase in retail sales of 0.2% had been predicted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), however statisticians were surprised by a fall of 0.5% in…
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Jun- 2018 -15 JuneHigh Street
Royal wedding boosts retail sales in May
The quantity bought in the retail industry increased by 1.3% in May 2018 when compared with April 2018, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Feedback from retailers suggested that a sustained period of good weather and royal wedding celebrations encouraged spending in food and household goods stores in…
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May- 2018 -25 MayHigh Street
April retail sales see recovery
Retail sales saw an unexpected boost in the month of April as consumers returned to the high street following the good weather. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales rose 1.6% in April. When compared with March 2018 the quantity bought in April…
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