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The Times publishes its list of the seven best shopping streets in the UK

24 Jun 2024

The Times has just published its list of the seven best shopping streets in the UK.
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Indie retail village wins Hospitality Hero Velvet Award for 2024

24 Jun 2024

An independent retail village in Ely that celebrates its one-year anniversary this month has won the Hospitality Hero Velvet Award for 2024.
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Bike shop owner slams police’s “abject apathy” after three shops broken into in one night

24 Jun 2024

A cycle shop owner has criticised the police’s “abject apathy” towards bike theft after thieves attempted to break into his store for the second time in a year, on the same... Read more…

A simple comparison of the General Election manifestos

24 Jun 2024

With less than three weeks to go until the General Election, Bira has produced a simple table comparing manifestos for Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Reform UK, and... Read more…

Independents Day message - supporting independent shops boosts local jobs and economies.

24 Jun 2024

With the annual Independents’ Day weekend coming up on July 6th and 7th, independent retailers have been reinforcing the message that supporting independent shops boosts... Read more…

Euro 2024 predicted to deliver multi-million-pound boost for independent retailers

24 Jun 2024

Research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has suggested 6% of shoppers will buy a new TV or electronic device during the Euros, 4% will purchase official merchandise and nearly 10% will... Read more…

Bira leads £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers in landmark collective action

12 Jun 2024

A £1 billion damages claim has been filed against Amazon on behalf of retailers selling on Amazon’s UK marketplace for illegally misusing their data and manipulating the Amazon Buy... Read more…

Bira responds to KPMG Retail Sales Monitor report

10 Jun 2024

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for May 2024.
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Small independent Harrogate shop does it again at the national level with new awards glory

10 Jun 2024

Independent Harrogate computer shop Phase 4 Computers has been named as a finalist in the Tech Awards 2024.
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Knutsford fashion show highlights town's 'amazing independent shops'

10 Jun 2024

Independent boutiques in Knutsford have teamed up once again to showcase their new designs at the third Flash Fashion.
Read more…

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Bira responds to KPMG Retail Sales Monitor report

Posted on in Business News

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has responded to the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for May 2024.

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The report, which can be downloaded here, has highlighted:

  • UK Total retail sales increased by 0.7% year on year in May, against a growth of 3.9% in May 2023. This was above the 3-month average growth of 0.3% and below the 12-month average growth of 2.0%.
     
  • Food sales increased 3.6% year on year over the three months to May, against a growth of 9.6% in May 2023. This is below the 12-month average growth of 6.4%. For the month of May, Food was in growth year-on-year.
     
  • Non-Food sales decreased 2.4% year on year over the three-months to May, against a growth of 0.7% in May 2023. This is steeper than the 12-month average decline of 1.7%. For the month of May, Non-Food was in decline year-on-year.
     
  • In-store Non-Food sales over the three months to May decreased 2.7% year on year, against a growth of 2.9% in May 2023. This is below the 12-month average decline of 1.1%.
     
  • Online Non-Food sales increased by 1.5% year on year in May, against an average decline of 3.0% in May 2023. This was above the 3-month and 12-month average declines of 1.8% and 2.6% respectively.
     
  • The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) increased to 36.7% in May from 35.9% in May 2023. This was slightly higher than the 12-month average of 36.1%

Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "These latest retail figures showcase the challenging landscape facing Britain's high streets. While some sectors have fared better than others, the overall results are disappointing. Life on the high street remains an uphill battle.

"The priorities for the incoming government must be economic growth and reviving consumer confidence. Our high streets are the lifeblood of local communities across the nation, fostering vibrancy and pride. However, this treasured institution is at a precarious point, battered by fragile economic conditions and wavering consumer sentiment.

"Small and independent retailers are particularly vulnerable, operating on slimmer margins. A failure to stimulate consumer spending and nurture an environment conducive to entrepreneurship could devastate many beloved local businesses. Robust policies are urgently needed to revitalise our high streets - the cornerstones of our towns and cities. By prioritising their revival, we safeguard livelihoods and preserve the very soul of our communities for generations to come," he added.

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