The heat is on for small shops

29.04.08

The British Shops and Stores Association (bssa) has announced the latest set of results from its quarterly Sales Monitor which reveal a disappointing March and Easter period, although this is balanced in part by a strong January and February.

The overall average performance during the quarter of January to March 2008 was down just -0.2% compared with the same period last year, fairly minor when current market conditions are taken into consideration.

Performance varied according to geographical location and industry sector. The biggest downturn was witnessed in the North East, reporting an average decrease of -6.4% while trade in East Anglia rose by an average of 3.5%. The best performing sectors include department stores, up by an average of 5.5%. Hardest hit were gifts, glass, china, jewellery, accessories, luggage which suffered a -3.9% drop in performance.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008