Retailers hope for sales boost and fairer business rates next week
Responding to the latest ONS Retail Sales Index figures, which showed sales up 3.0% by value, and up 1.2% by volume, Dr Kris Hamer, director of insight at the British Retail Consortium, said:“While ONS figures show growth in October, much of this was from a strong performance from smaller retailers. BRC members hope that Black Friday and the run up to Christmas will provide a uplift to sales, particularly when the Budget falls during peak trading season which has knocked consumer confidence. With retailers still reeling from the £7bn of additional tax, they are hopeful for a budget that ensures no store pays more in business rates so they can invest more in their stores and warehouses which bring jobs and growth for the UK economy. ”