NEWS BIRA
comments on December retail sales figures
T
he British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has commented on the disappointing
retail sales figures for December. The association, which works with
over 6,000 independent businesses of all sizes across the UK, has said they are ‘disappointed’ with the figures for the festive period which has been released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The report has shown: Retail sales volumes are estimated to
have fallen by 1.0% in December 2022, following a fall of 0.5% in November (revised from a fall of 0.4%). Sales volumes were 1.7% below their
pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) February levels.
Non-food store’s sales volumes fell
by 2.1% over the month, with continued feedback from retailers and other wider evidence that consumers are cutting back on spending because of increased prices and affordability concerns. Food store sales volumes fell by 0.3% in December 2022 from a rise of 1.0% in November, with comments from some retailers suggesting that customers stocked up early for Christmas. The proportion of online sales fell to 25.4% in December 2022 from 25.9% in November, with anecdotal evidence that Royal Mail strikes led to consumers shopping in stores more. Between 2021 and 2022, retail sales
volumes fell by 3.0%, as the lifting of restrictions on hospitality led to a return to eating out, and rising prices and the cost of living affected sales volumes. BIRA CEO, Andrew Goodacre, said: “We
now have confirmation that December and the festive period was disappointing for retailers. “There seems to be widespread acceptance that inflation will fall this year with the costs of energy falling and so the government must use the Spring statement in March to announce ways of boosting the economy. “Levelling-up projects were announced
yesterday but they are long-term projects. Independent retailers need something this year if the high streets are to thrive again.”
Obituary: Ken Eden I
t is with great sadness that Housewares Magazine announces that Ken Eden, a well-known industry member, passed away last year. In his early career, Eden was employed by the
likes of housewares brands Ewbank, Kenwood and William Lavine. He then built his career working as a sales agent for Procter, Chain Products, Landmann Barbecues, Imperial Housewares and Lifestyle Appliances.Eden would often be seen at Spring Fair, Exclusively Housewares, Glee and many Decco Trade Shows. He was also a member of The MAA (Manufacturers Agent Association) and was a beloved member of the industry. Housewares Magazine’s sympathies and thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Dunelm Christmas sales grow by 18% D
unelm delivered sales of £478m in the 13- week period ended 31 December 2022 which was 18% higher than last year, and 48% up from pre- pandemic levels. Nick Wilkinson, Chief
Executive Officer, said: “We have delivered another strong performance and the relevance of Dunelm’s value offering has really come to the fore. Customers have enjoyed shopping our ‘Winter Warm’ ranges as they find innovative ways to manage rising heating costs. Our Christmas assortment also proved popular
as customers prepared their homes for the festive period. “It is a difficult time for many people in our communities, so we were delighted to significantly grow our ‘delivering joy’ campaign this year, resulting in over 60,000 Christmas gifts being donated by customers and colleagues to local causes.
“We are deeply conscious of the challenges
which everyone is facing and remain focussed on making every pound count across our entire offer, so customers can feel confident in receiving outstanding value whatever their budget or taste.”
VM & Display Show adds new Networking Lounge T
he Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA) has announced the addition of a new SDEA
Networking Lounge at the upcoming VM & Display Show, to be held in April at London’s Business Design Centre. This new feature will provide members with an opportunity to connect with other industry professionals and an extremely cost-effective route to take part in the VM & Display Show. Participation in the Networking Lounge
offers a variety of benefits, including: • Access to industry leaders and decision- makers • Opportunities to expand your professional network • A relaxed and informal setting for networking and conversation
• A dedicated space for conducting business
meetings • The ability to learn about industry trends from other participants Antony Behiels, director of the Shop &
Display Equipment Association, said: “The SDEA is committed to providing its members with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in the retail display industry. The SDEA Networking Lounge is just one example of this commitment and we look forward to seeing the connections and partnerships that will be formed as a result.”
housewareslive.net
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