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General trading conditions improved slightly in the second week of July, helped by better
weather. Sales figures from BDO Stoy Hayward's High Street Sales Tracker for the week ending 12 July 2009 have revealed that total sales fell by 2.3 per cent on a like-for-like basis.
Fashion remained negative for a third week in a row. Despite continued widespread discounting most mainstream stores failed to post positive results, with womenswear especially. Specialists faired better, as did some youth focused stores.
Rupert Eastell, Head of Retail at BDO Stoy Hayward, says: “Following a couple of very bad weeks, general trading conditions improved this week assisted by more obliging shopping weather and a less busy sporting weekend. However, overall sales still remained down compared to last year (-2.3 per cent), with only the non-fashion sector in positive territory.”
“In other areas many stores continued to find it difficult to attract shoppers despite ongoing promotions and discounts. Our general view is that although consumer confidence appears to have bottomed out, renewed fears over job security could constrain spending over the summer.”
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