The December edition of the High Street Sales Tracker, which outlines the weekly sales changes of more than 70 mid market retailers with some 10,000 individual stores, indicates a fourth negative December in a row for the retail industry.
The high street failed to rally at the end of a disappointing year for retailers. Total like-for-like sales were down by -0.10 per cent in December from a very weak base of -5.3 per cent in December 2015, which at the time was the worst monthly result seen since 2008.
However, there were some positive results with lifestyle and homeware exhibiting 2.6 per cent growth and online sales enjoying sales growth of 19 per cent for December, up from 7.5 per cent the previous year.
At Beavis Morgan, our specialist advisers to the retail sector understand that in this competitive environment retail business owners must work hard to win customer loyalty, increase productivity and strengthen their market position. We work with a number of retail businesses, helping them with strategic planning, business turnaround and improving business performance for the future.
For further information about how we can help you and your business, contact Steve Govey or your usual Beavis Morgan Partner.