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.
-
May- 2024 -24 MayNews
Today’s news in brief-24/5/24
In April, retail sales volumes dropped by 2.3% following a 0.2% decline in March, primarily due to ongoing wet weather, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Non-food stores experienced a significant 4.1% fall, equalling the largest drop since January 2021, with clothing, sports equipment, and furniture retailers…
Read More » -
24 MayEconomy
Retail sales slump 2.3% in April amid wet weather
Retail sales fell by 2.3% in volume over April, following a fall of 0.2% in March, as the retail sector was hampered by ongoing wet weather over the period. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), sales volumes were down across most sectors, with non-food stores particularly “doing badly” as…
Read More » -
22 MayClothing & Shoes
Inflation falls to 2.3% in April
Inflation has fallen to its lowest level in almost three years to 2.3% in April, down from 3.2% in March, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.3% in April 2024, compared with a rise of 1.2% in…
Read More » -
10 MayNews
Today’s news in brief-10/5/24
The UK economy has emerged from recession with a growth of 0.6% in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing economist expectations. This growth was primarily driven by consumer-facing services, which expanded by 0.6% after a decline in the previous quarter. Notably, retail trade played a significant role in this recovery,…
Read More » -
10 MayEconomy
UK economy exits recession as GDP jumps 0.6% in Q1
The UK economy is no longer in recession after it grew by 0.6% between January and March this year, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The performance beat economist expectations of 0.4% growth. A recession, which is defined as two consecutive three-month periods where the…
Read More » -
Apr- 2024 -26 AprilNews
Today’s news in brief-26/4/24
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported a significant rise in shoplifting offences in England and Wales, reaching over 430,000 cases for the year ending December 2023—an increase of more than a third compared to the previous year. This marks the highest level in two decades. The ONS suggests…
Read More » -
26 AprilNews
Shoplifting hits record high in England and Wales
The number of shoplifting offences in England and Wales has reached its highest point in 20 years, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics. The number of shoplifting offences reached more than 430,000 for the 12 months ended December 2023, an increase of more than a third…
Read More » -
19 AprilNews
Today’s news in brief-19/4/24
Wilko, the retailer that faced collapse last September, is back with a revamped click and collect service. After successful trials in Exeter, Luton, and Plymouth, the company is reintroducing its free click and collect option. Customers can now access this service from reopened stores and over 200 collection points through…
Read More » -
17 AprilEconomy
Inflation falls to lowest level since 2021
Inflation slowed to 3.2% in March, down from 3.4% the prior month, as inflation fell to its lowest annual rate since September 2021. According to the Office for National Statistics, food prices were the main reason for the fall, with prices across most categories rising by less against last year. However,…
Read More » -
12 AprilEconomy
UK economy grows for second month in a row
UK GDP increased slightly for the second month in a row, in another sign the economy is edging out of recession, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Monthly real gross domestic product is estimated to have grown by 0.1% in February 2024, following growth…
Read More »
