Tag Archives: BRC

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BRC: The impact of Brexit and emerging trends in retail in this autumn edition of ‘The Retailer’

BRC: The impact of Brexit and emerging trends in retail in this autumn edition of ‘The Retailer’

 

London, 2017-Nov-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Don’t miss the autumn 2017 edition of ‘The Retailer’, our online-only magazine, which is out now.

The impact of Brexit and emerging trends in retail take centre stage. “For retailers, speed and efficiency in supply chains are paramount. With the possibility of a ‘hard’ or ‘no deal’ Brexit, retailers must adapt to a new operating environment” writes Malcolm Dowden, Legal Director at law firm Bond Dickinson.

Packed full of thinking, views and advice from across the industry, this edition also includes:

  • Mark Thornton, Chief Operating Officer of Maginus who argues that Brexit could be the “Grinch that stole Christmas”
  • Chris Taylor, Retail Practice Director at Questback who writes that effectively engaging with colleagues is central to driving business success
  • Declan Goodwin, Associate at Capital Law who looks at the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation and what retailers needs to know
  • Neil Burton, CAO and Head of Change Management at Verifone Europe who says that a once-in-a-generation change is opening up a new era of payments

Source: BRC

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BRC on HMRC’s state of readiness: no Brexit deal would mean fivefold increase in the number of customs declarations

London, 2017-Nov-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Responding to a Public Accounts Committee report out today (November 14, 2017) on the readiness of HMRC for a new customs IT system in 2019, William Bain, Policy Advisor – Europe and International at the BRC said:

“This report makes for stark reading for businesses and consumers who are dependent on moving goods quickly between the UK and the rest of Europe. It confirms data that a no deal Brexit would mean a fivefold increase in the number of customs declarations, with 132,000 companies facing the red tape of declarations for the first time. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee appears yet to be convinced about HMRC’s state of readiness for the introduction of the new Customs Declarations System (CDS) in early 2019, and has recommended additional investment in the current customs IT system (CHIEF) to provide the UK with a viable back-up option should there be problems with CDS just as we are about to leave the EU.

“Only four per cent of UK firms making customs declarations are “trusted traders”, with less red tape on the movement of goods, far below the numbers in Germany. This supports the BRC’s recommendation to broaden and deepen the scheme for UK businesses as well as securing mutual recognition with that in the EU on Brexit.”

The BRC has set out set out the practical challenges and considerations the UK Government faces in delivering as frictionless trade as possible for business and consumers and the essential steps that must be taken to achieve this:Read the BRC’s Customs Roadmap

Source: BRC

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BRC on consumer price inflation figures in UK: It may be an expensive Christmas dinner this year

London, 2017-Nov-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Commenting on the latest consumer price inflation figures releases by the ONS today (November 14, 2017), Rachel Lund, Head of Retail Insight & Analytics at the BRC said:

“It may be an expensive Christmas dinner this year as a combination of more costly imports and higher world food prices, particularly for dairy products, pushed food price inflation over four per cent year on year in October.

“With more of consumers’ incomes being absorbed in spending on food, retailers of non-food products are having to compete harder for business. In a dismal month for non-food sales, shoppers were offered significant discounts, leading to a drop in the inflation rate of goods such as furniture and clothing. Discounts are being offered at a time when many retailers are coming to the end of the protection from higher import costs provided by hedging facilities. That is putting an enormous squeeze on retailers’ margins as they head into what may well be a nerve wracking festive period.

“All eyes are now on the Chancellor to tackle the underlying weakness in consumer spending: we urge him to deliver a shoppers’ budget to the UK in time for Christmas.”

Source: BRC

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British Retail Consortium (BRC) sent “Helping Shoppers Budget” proposal to the Chancellor

British Retail Consortium (BRC) sent “Helping Shoppers Budget” proposal to the Chancellor

Business and consumers are looking to the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget for action to support consumer spending and help encourage private sector investment.

LONDON, 2017-Oct-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — In a submission entitled Helping Shoppers Budget, sent to the Chancellor last week, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) proposes a series of targeted measures to support the retail industry in maximising its future contribution to the UK’s success and playing its part in supporting the country through a period of profound change and uncertainty.

Retail is one of the world’s most innovative industries, the UK’s largest private sector employer and an industry which is finding efficiencies at a faster rate than many others – which in Government speak means it’s outpacing average productivity growth in the UK. It is also an industry undergoing profound structural change, being driven by the ever increasing demands of customers and the technology revolution.

The BRC points to the risk of an opportunity missed. A backdrop of rising labour and property costs is altering the attractiveness of investment options, as the cost of technology falls and digital capability improves. This has profound implications for much needed investments in local communities, new and refurbished shops, and of course jobs.The implications of this are that it’s the most vulnerable communities that will suffer the negative consequences most acutely.

Specifically, the BRC is recommending that the UK Government:

  • Freezes the business rates multiplier in April 2018 which otherwise will increase the bill of every rate payer in the country and simultaneously divert £270m of retail investment from delivering for consumers and away from local investment.
  • Keeps the cost of living down for consumers by not increasing income tax rates for the majority of taxpayers and considers accelerating increases in the personal allowance if the squeeze on consumers persists.
  • Gives itself the best chance of ensuring its flagship apprenticeship policy is successful by providing additional flexibility in how apprenticeship levy funds can be spent.
  • Works in partnership with retail to enhance the basic digital literacy skills of the large parts of the workforce being left behind by the technology revolution and to increase the amount of UK manufacturing of textiles and clothing.
  • Ensures business does not face double regulatory charges or new financial burdens from the Withdrawal Bill and makes the necessary investment in infrastructure at ports and border control points to ensure an orderly exit from the EU.

 

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the BRC said:

“At a time of uncertainty for both the economy and the country, it’s important we set ourselves up for success.

“The cumulative burden of Government imposed costs has become acute. Indeed, September’s inflation figures mean retailers are faced with a £270 million leap in their business rate tax bills alone next Spring. With retailers’ margins being squeezed to their limit, this is money that could be better spent investing in keeping prices low for consumers, in local communities up and down the country and in developing a workforce which is fit for the future.

“Without the Chancellor’s intervention, the consequences for town centres and jobs will be even more keenly felt in the most vulnerable communities. For consumers, the squeeze on household incomes will be compounded as the pound in their pocket buys them even less at the checkout.

“Retailers want to help build the confidence of their customers, us all as shoppers, not damage it. But to do this they need the support of Government policy that keeps down the cost of living, not exacerbates it. That encourages, rather than deters the retail investment necessary to meet constantly evolving customer expectations. And finally, policy action that enables retailers to maximise their vital contribution to the Government’s productivity aspirations.”

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SOURCE: British Retail Consortium

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BRC: UK retail sales in September increased by 1.9% on a like-for-like basis from September 2016

LONDON, UK, 2017-Oct-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Covering the four weeks 27 August – 30 September 2017

  • In September, UK retail sales increased by 1.9% on a like-for-like basis from September 2016, when they had increased 0.4% from the preceding year.
  • On a total basis, sales rose 2.3% in September, against a growth of 1.3% in September 2016. This is above the 3-month and 12-month averages of 2.1% and 1.7% respectively.
  • Over the three months to September 2017, In-store sales of Non-Food items declined 1.5% on a Total basis and 2.0% on a Like-for-like basis.
  • Over the three months to September, Food sales increased 2.5% on a like-for-like basis and 3.5% on a total basis. This remains above the 12-month Total average growth of 2.9%, the highest 12-month average since August 2013.
  • Over the three-months to September, Non-Food retail sales in the UK increased 0.5% on a like-for-like basis and 0.9% on a total basis, above the 12-month Total average growth of 0.7%.
  • Online sales of Non-Food products grew 10.7% in September, above both the 3-month and 12-month averages of 10.0% and 8.8% respectively. Online penetration rate increased from 21.5% in September 2016 to 22.4% in September 2017, the highest penetration rate since January.

 

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive | British Retail Consortium

“September saw a second consecutive month of relatively good sales growth which should indicate welcome news for retailers and the economy alike. Looking beneath the surface though, we see that much of this growth is being driven by price increases filtering through, particularly in food and clothing, which were the highest performing product categories for the month. Retailers have worked hard to keep a lid on price rises following the depreciation of the pound, but with a potent mix of more expensive imports and increasing business costs from various government policies, something had to give at some point.

“From a consumer perspective, spending is still being focussed towards essential purchases; with consumers buying their winter coats and back to school items, but shying away from big ticket items such as furniture and delaying the renewal of key household electrical goods.  Online has been the biggest beneficiary of the resilience in consumer spending capacity in the last two months, sustaining a return to double digit year on year growth figures as shoppers responded well to discounts and the ongoing investment by retailers in improving the mobile shopping experience.

“September’s overall growth may increase the likelihood of an uplift in interest rates in November. So with stronger headwinds brewing, its vital government keep a tight lid on those costs under its control, which impact on retailers, the cost of doing business and ultimately consumers. The Chancellor has a great opportunity to do just that in his upcoming budget by not adding yet another rise on the business rates bill of every retailer in the country.”

Paul Martin, Head of Retail | KPMG UK

“September’s performance will have left many retailers with smiles on their faces, with sales up 1.9 per cent on a like-for-like basis, compared to last year.

“Children’s clothing clearly hit the mark as one of the leading categories in the month, whilst the August bank holiday and favourable autumnal weather lent a helping hand to non-food sales. Grocers will also be feeling the warmth having performed particularly well, as food and drink remains in high demand with shoppers – although food price inflation continues to be a key driver of this growth.”

“Non-food online sales continued to soar with double digit growth, outpacing the uptick seen on the high street.

“However, with potential interest rate rises on the horizon, shaky consumer confidence and ever increasing levels of household debt, uncertainty remains. We’re now moving into the final quarter, which will ultimately define whether 2017 has been a good or bad year for retailers.”

Food & Drink sector performance | Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive | IGD

“September was a consistently strong month for food and grocery sales with little variation from week to week. This extends the good run from spring into autumn, albeit driven more by rising prices than volumes.

“After several months of inflation, a growing number of people are taking more time to hunt down value. Just under half (46 per cent) of shoppers now say they usually look for the cheapest products, even if it takes more time, versus 40 per cent in March.”

SOURCE: British Retail Consortium

BRC Press Office

  • TELEPHONE+ 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
  • EMAIL media@brc.org.uk
  • OUT OF HOURS+44 (0) 7557 747 269
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BRC analysis spells out potential cost to shoppers of leaving the EU without a tariff-free trade deal

London, 2017-Sep-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The outcomes of the Brexit negotiations are hugely important to the UK’s retail and food production industries. The UK is a net importer of food – 40 per cent of the food we eat comes from outside the UK, with around a third from the EU-27 alone. In comparison, only 12 per cent of the UK’s non- food imports come from the EU. People in the UK spend around £201 billion a year on food and non-alcoholic drinks.

In April the BRC’s Tariff Roadmap highlighted the need to put UK consumers at the heart of the Brexit negotiations to protect them from the costs of unwanted new tariffs, particularly when it comes to food bills.

Modern food retail relies on complex but responsive supply chains to ensure that customers get the products they want year round, at consistently good quality, and at competitive prices. This is dependent upon us being able to source food across national borders to supplement food production in the UK, without tariffs and unaffected by non-tariff barriers to trade. The alternative, a no-deal Brexit, would mean defaulting to a system which could raise food tariffs by 22 per cent on average.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the BRC said:

“At a time when household income is already squeezed by inflation and wage growth moving in opposite directions, it’s of the utmost importance that the Government does all it can in the trading negotiations, to limit any further cost increases that could further adversely impact the finances of the UK’s consumers.”

The Tariff Roadmap makes the case for transitional measures to ensure that tariff-free trade continues after the UK’s exit from the EU in March 2019. This is important to avoid rising costs and provide greater certainty for consumers and businesses. Achieving as frictionless trade as possible with the EU will help to keep prices down and maintain greater choice and food security for consumers. Perishable food has a short shelf-life and getting it through the food supply chain in a timely manner requires as little disruption as possible at every stage of the process, including at our ports.

Avoiding a no deal Brexit is key. The BRC will work with government to secure a fair Brexit for consumers by ensuring prices remain low and choice and confidence remains high.

Read IFS Study: How might Brexit affect food prices?

Source: BRC

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BRC: Overall Shop Price deflation was 0.3 per cent in August

London, 2017-Aug-30 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC – NIELSEN SHOP PRICE INDEX – August 2017

Period Covered: 07 – 11 August 2017

  • Overall Shop Price deflation was 0.3 per cent in August, a slight deceleration from the 0.4 per cent fall in July. Except for June of this year, this is the shallowest deflation rate since November 2013.
  • The deflation rate for prices of Non-Food products was 1.3 per cent, the slowest rate of deflation since April 2013. Electronics posted the slowest rate of deflation on record (the SPI started in 2006).
  • Food prices increased by 1.3 per cent in August on the same month last year, a slight increase on July, when Food price inflation stood at 1.2 per cent.
  • This is the second month we have seen an easing in the inflation rate of Fresh Food. It slowed to 0.8 per cent in August from 1.0 per cent in July.
  • In contrast, the inflation rate of Ambient Food prices accelerated to 1.9 per cent in August from 1.6 per cent in July. This is the highest inflation rate for Ambient Food since December 2013.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium:

“Non-Food deflation reached its lowest rate in more than four years in August as overall Shop Prices edged closer to inflation.

“The reality is that with protection from hedging policies coming to an end, Non-Food retailers are running out of options for protecting shoppers from the significant increases in the price of imported goods since the EU referendum in June last year. We expect Non-Food prices to continue trending towards year on year inflation.

“Food inflation also moved upward, driven by an acceleration of Ambient Food inflation, although the slowdown in Fresh Food inflation for a second month kept a lid on overall increases in the price of the weekly grocery shop. The seasonal availability of fruit and vegetables from UK suppliers is currently shielding shoppers from the impact of higher import prices. However, as Winter approaches and our dependence shifts to imported goods, that will change.

“While the dynamics of individual elements of the index play out in different ways from month to month, the fact is that the overall pressures on prices are still weighted upwards. That will put an increasing strain on already stretched family budgets. Therefore, it is imperative that the Government puts the UK’s households at the top of its agenda as it enters into negotiations on our future trading relationship with the EU. It should do all it can to avoid a situation where further tariffs and administrative costs lead to price increases on top of those already being faced by consumers.”

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight, Nielsen:

” Food inflation continues to be kept in check by lower increases in fresh and seasonal  foods and as fresh is typically over 40% of the shopper spend in supermarkets, this is helping to offset the rising cost of living in household bills. Whilst consumer sentiment is on the turn and shoppers are becoming cautious about spending on big ticket items, prices are still very competitive on the high street and spend on food and drink has been strong over the summer, albeit disrupted by the changeable weather in August ”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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UK unemployment rate to fall to just 4.4% in Q2 2017; the lowest rate since 1975

London, 2017-Aug-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Figures released today (August 16, 2017) by the ONS show a fall in the UK unemployment rate to just 4.4% in the second quarter of this year, which is the lowest rate since 1975. In absolute terms this equates to an extra 125,000 people in employment since the first quarter of 2017.

Nominal wage growth has picked up to 2.1%, after several months of slowing. However, the effects of inflation over this period of 2.6% leaves real wages in negative territory, down 0.5% on last year. This means consumer spending power is still being squeezed –  not great news for retailers who are facing challenges on many fronts.The pick-up in wage growth is a positive sign, and with the number of unemployed per job vacancy also falling in recent months, economic theory would suggest that pressures on wages in future will be upwards. However recent history has showed us that reality can defy economic models. A combination of job creation in less productive areas of the economy, increases in flexible working contracts and technology weakening bargaining power of workers have led to slowing wage growth despite a tightening labour market. So it may be too early to call an end to the real wage squeeze. We will have to wait and see.

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC and the Food and Drink Federation call on suppliers from food and drink industry to help identify sugar alternatives to improve public health

London, 2017-Aug-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Retailers and manufacturers are calling on suppliers from across the food and drink industry to help identify sugar alternatives in a bid to improve public health by reducing the amount of sugars in food and drink products.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) are inviting ingredient manufacturers, product specialists and researchers to submit details of sugar alternative ingredients and products that may help companies reformulate. The organisations are looking for ingredients that will help sugar reduction, whilst enabling companies to maintain product quality, taste, product safety and shelf life.

The BRC and the FDF will use the information to create a list for manufacturers and retailers in order to further support sugar reduction efforts across the food and drink industry.

The initiative follows the publication of Public Health England’s guidelines on sugar reduction and supports the Government ambition laid out in the Childhood Obesity Plan to reduce sugar by 20 per cent.

Those suppliers who produce suitable sugar alternative ingredients are encouraged to complete an application form which can be found here.

Andrea Martinez-Inchausti, Deputy Director Food Policy at the BRC said:

“Improving the composition of products is a top priority for retailers. A lot of work is currently underway to reduce sugar. We are putting a call out for any information on technical solutions and alternatives to sugar, to help retailers deliver tasty but more wholesome products”.

Kate Halliwell, Nutrition and Health Manager at the FDF said:

“FDF and our members are committed to playing our part in the fight against obesity. The food and drink industry has been on a positive journey for a number of years and this joint initiative with the BRC is the latest stage in the journey. We are confident this initiative will go a long way in supporting retailers and manufacturers in their sugar reduction efforts, leading to significant improvements in public health”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC announces winner of 2017 Cyber Security Challenge

A PhD student from Royal Holloway University has been announced the winner of the BRC’s 2017 Cyber Security Challenge.

London, 2017-Aug-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — The latest BRC Annual Retail Crime Survey revealed that an estimated 53 per cent of reported fraud in the retail industry is cyber-enabled, which represents a total direct cost of around £100 million. UK retailers already have some of the most secure IT infrastructures available, and the BRC is a lead partner for its members and key specialists in joint efforts to further strengthen those structures.

As part of that work, the BRC is pleased to announce the results of its Retail Cyber Security Student Challenge for 2017 covering the cyber security risks facing the UK retail industry and how to tackle them.

The challenge, which was open to any student based at a UK higher education establishment, invited new ideas on how government, law enforcement and industry should work together to tackle the main cyber security threats facing retail in the UK. The judging panel for the final consisted of a group of leading cyber security scholars: Professor Chris Hankin (Imperial College, London), Professor M. Angela Sasse FREng (UCL) and Dr Tim Stevens (King’s College, London).

The winning paper was authored by Andreas Haggman, currently studying for a PhD in Cyber Security and Geopolitics at Royal Holloway University of London. Andreas will receive a cash prize of £500 and the opportunity to present his work to the BRC’s Fraud and Cyber Security Member Group, at which members can test and apply the expert analysis and have his work published in full in the BRC’s membership magazine, The Retailer.

Commenting on the winning entry, Dr Tim Stevens at King’s College, London and member of the judging panel said:

“Andreas’ winning essay balances excellent awareness of retail operations with the contemporary demands of cybersecurity. It offers a picture of key threats and how retailers factor them in to their relationships with customers. In its focus on point of sale interactions, and thinks about where future threats might arise and makes concrete recommendations for improving security thinking and practice. Overall, it offers sound advice for charting a way forward for retailers and their partners in law enforcement and government.”

James Martin, Crime and Security Adviser at the BRC said:

“The BRC remains fully committed to supporting its members to meet their security and cyber-security needs, and works with cutting edge partners across the corporate and public sectors, as well as in academia, to do that. The response to this competition was excellent, with the standard extremely high, and like the judges we think that the winning entries showed a combination of innovation and real-world problem solving.”

Retailers seeking guidance on cyber security can look at the BRC’s ‘Cyber Security Toolkit’, which provides retail businesses of all sizes with a practical, step-by-step guide to prevent and manage cyber security threats and protect the customers they serve. The toolkit aims to provide retailers with practical guidance to ensure they have the appropriate preventative and response measures in place to reduce their vulnerabilities and to protect both themselves and their customers.

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC: Footfall in June was 0.8% up on a year ago

London, 2017-Jul-17 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC – SPRINGBOARD FOOTFALL AND VACANCIES JUNE 2017

Covering the four weeks 28 May – 1 July 2017

  • Footfall in June was 0.8 per cent up on a year ago. leaving it ahead of the three month average of 0.5 per cent.
  • On a three-month basis, footfall grew 0.5 per cent, a slight reduction against past two months of 0.7 per cent
  • High Street footfall rose 0.9 per cent in June on the previous year’s rate of -3.7 per cent. This is 5 basis points above the three month average of 0.4 per cent.
  • Footfall in Retail Park locations grew by 2.3 per cent in June, compared to a 1.0 per cent decrease in June 2016. This comes after a 1.5 per cent rise in May, and is below the three-month average of 2.2 per cent.
  • Footfall in Shopping Centres fell by 0.8 per cent in June on the -2.3 per cent rate in June 2016. This is marginally above the three-month average of -0.9 per cent.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief-Executive | British Retail Consortium

The arrival of summer spurred greater shopper footfall in the majority of retail destinations in June. High streets and retail parks saw solid growth in footfall, as shoppers headed out to renew their wardrobes and purchase other seasonal items. Most parts of the UK benefitted from these sun fuelled shopping outings, with the East of England especially witnessing brisk growth.

Amidst economic uncertainty and mounting concern over the inflationary squeeze on household incomes, sustaining growth in shopper footfall will be challenging, more so as retailers seek to convert that into an improved performance at tills. And while they step up their efforts to keep prices down for their customers against rising input prices and inflation, the Government can help alleviate the cost pressures in the immediate term by sticking to their commitment on business rates reform to deliver a system fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Diane Wehrle, Springboard Marketing and Insights Director

The rise in footfall of +0.8% in June is a result that tells a different story to the sales statistics we are seeing, with the Springboard Sales Tracker recording drops in sales in department stores of -1.6% and of -2.3% in fashion stores.  However, sales do present a very varied picture, dependent on the breadth of the measure used and inflationary pressures which push sales values up.

The uplift in footfall in June, compared with the -1% drop in May, and its divergence from sales, can be attributed to a number of factors. The weather was far better than in June last year, which encourages consumers to visit bricks and mortar destinations, particularly external environments such as high streets and retail parks. Also in recent months, we have seen rising footfall in the hours after 5pm, illustrating the trend in consumer behaviour towards leisure trips after retail trading hours, demonstrated by the rise in hospitality sales of +0.3% in June.  In June, however, the better weather supported the increase in footfall during daytime hours. Indeed, the cumulative impact of both these factors accounts for the weaker footfall performance in shopping centres compared with high streets and retail parks.

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC appoints William Bain to accelerate its research and further strengthen its voice on Brexit

BRC appoints William Bain to accelerate its research and further strengthen its voice on Brexit

LONDON, 2017-Jun-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has appointed William Bain to accelerate its research and further strengthen its voice on Brexit.

Bain’s previous experience includes five and a half years as a Member of Parliament, during which he served as Shadow Food and Farming Minister, and was a member of the BIS Select Committee working on inquiries which focused on trade issues. Since leaving Westminster, he has worked as a consultant to companies on the implications of Brexit. He is reporting to Andrew Opie, the Director of Food Policy at the BRC.

Bain will work on the BRC’s Fair Brexit For Consumers campaign, which is aimed at supporting the Government in ensuring a fair deal for consumers in negotiations with the EU.

The BRC’s recently published research advocated a “smart Brexit”. Its Tariff Roadmapmade the case for an orderly and sequenced process that prioritises across the board tariff-free arrangements with the EU before securing new trading relationships with the rest of the world. The research found that:

  • Retailers directly import approximately £5 billion of food products and indirectly import approximately £15 billion through wholesalers or manufacturers;
  • The weighted average tariff, if the UK were to default to WTO tariffs on UK food imports from the EU, would be 22 per cent;
  • New partners in the rest of the world present a big opportunity as nearly half the UK’s non-food imports come from countries where there is no pre-existing EU trade arrangements. If new deals were negotiated with these countries, UK retailers could see reductions in tariffs on clothes of 12 per cent and leather handbags at three per cent, for example.

 

Commenting on the announcement, Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium said:

“The retail industry’s biggest priority is to work alongside the Government to secure a fair Brexit for consumers. This means ensuring that ordinary shoppers aren’t hit with the cost of unwanted new tariffs and the UK is able to build new trading relationships with the rest of the world in the long-term. William’s experience and skills will further strengthen the BRC’s voice on crucial trade and regulation issues during a pivotal period of time.”

William Bain said:

“The retail industry is at the epicentre of the changes ahead arising from the UK’s transition to a new relationship with the European Union involving some of our biggest markets and industry supply chains. I’m thrilled to be part of the BRC’s pioneering work as the voice of the industry at such an important time for UK businesses and consumers.”

 

Notes to Editors

  1. View BRC’s ‘Tariff Road Map For The Next Government here. It includes a digestible ‘road map’ highlighting the need for an orderly and sequenced process that will ensure risks are mitigated and opportunities are seized, a breakdown of food imports and non-food imports by retailers and a map that illustrates the UK’s trade relationships, tariffs and the potential threats and opportunities around different products.

SOURCE: BRC

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BRC: Footfall in May fell by 1.0 per cent in the UK on the same month in the previous year

London, 2017-Jun-12 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC- SPRINGBOARD FOOTFALL AND VACANCIES MONITOR – MAY 2017
Covering the four weeks 30 April – 27 May 2017

  • Footfall in May fell by 1.0 per cent in the UK on the same month in the previous year, the first decline since February.
  • This is below the three-month average of 0.7 per cent. This month’s positive three-month average makes two consecutive months of three-month average growth, the first time this has occurred since June-August 2013.
  •  High Street Footfall declined in May, the fall of 2.0 per cent its steepest decline since June. This is below the three-month average of 0.8 per cent.
  • Footfall to Retail Park destinations grew by 1.5 per cent in May, below the three-month average growth rate of 1.8 per cent.
  • Shopping Centre Footfall fell by 1.3 per cent in May, below the three-month average of -0.5 per cent.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief-Executive | British Retail Consortium

“After the Easter boost in shopper numbers to retail destinations, footfall fell in May, which was mirrored in the month’s sales performance. But it wasn’t just shops that suffered; poor weather at the beginning of the month kept people indoors and made it a poor month for footfall in general with fewer people out and about.

“The biggest movement was noticeable in the number of visitors to the high street, which after several months of growth, saw the steepest decline since June last year.  In an uncertain economic climate, retailers will be looking to the next Government to deliver on their commitment to fundamental reform of business rates; to implement a more sustainable system that allows for growth and investment.”

Diane Wehrle, Springboard Marketing and Insights Director

“May was clearly a month of moderation for UK shoppers, with a -1% drop in footfall across all destinations, and a -2% drop in the high street. The slowing of growth in footfall post 5 pm to +1.1% in May from +3.5% in May 2016 reflects this moderation, suggesting fewer shoppers opted to stay longer and eat out after their shopping trips; a concern for retail locations that have focussed on expanding their food offer to grow shopper dwell time.  The drop in footfall was mirrored by a drop of -3.7% in UK sales as measured by Springboard’s sales index which tracks sales in bricks and mortar stores – with fashion spend in particular dipping in May.  These are clear signals that consumers have started to display greater spending restraint.

“Whilst May’s footfall decline didn’t show a dramatic drop overall, the result for high streets was the worst result since June 2016 when high street footfall declined by -3.7% in the wake of the EU Referendum.  However, April’s results were boosted by the shift in Easter from March in 2016 to April this year, so it is unsurprising that there was a downward shift in footfall from last month, particularly as UK consumers could feel additionally cautious in the lead up to the General Election.”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC Chief Executive: The slowdown in overall non-food sales was mirrored online in May as annual growth fell to its lowest on record

London, 2017-Jun-06 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC – KPMG ONLINE RETAIL SALES MONITOR MAY 2017

Covering the four weeks 30 April – 27 May 2017

  • Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 4.3% in May compared to 13.7% rise a year earlier. This is the lowest growth since December 2012.
  • Over the 3 months to May, Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 7.0% year-on-year, the lowest in the BRC series started in December 2012.
  • In May 2017, Online sales represented 22.1% of total Non-Food sales in the UK, against 21.2% in May 2016. On a 3-month basis, penetration rate was 21.9%.
  • Over the 3 months to May, Online sales added 1.3 percentage points to the year-on-year growth of Total Non-Food sales. In contrast, In-Store sales made a negative 3-month contribution of 1.2 percentage points. In May, Online sales contributed 0.9 percentage points to Non-Food growth.
  • Over the 3 months to May, In-Store sales fell, posting declines of 1.8% on a total basis and 2.3% on a like-for-like basis. For the month of May, In-Store sales declined by 4.4%, a striking decline, the sharpest decline since the BRC series started in December 2012.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive | British Retail Consortium said:

“The slowdown in overall non-food sales was mirrored online in May as annual growth fell to its lowest on record. Though sales in all categories but one saw growth, this was subdued as consumers held back on non-essential purchases.

“Where there is willingness to spend on non-food items, this is largely concentrated on value-lines. The clothing and beauty categories in particular were boosted by some late season promotions, which looks promising for those retailers who will be launching their mid-season sales this month.

“For the second consecutive month, the increase in the online penetration rate has remained below one percentage point. Retailers will be increasingly looking to innovate and optimise their online channels to convert a greater share of online browsing into sales.”

Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail | KPMG said:
“Whilst non-food online sales continue to deliver growth, the significant news is that this month’s year-on-year growth is the lowest recorded since our online retail sales monitor began back in December 2012. Broadly speaking, most categories noted a rise, but growth had clearly been muted due to shoppers clawing back on non-food purchases.

“Bucking the general trend, health and beauty products continue to be the rising star, with holiday season, sunshine and hay fever likely to be fuelling this growth. Elsewhere, the more seasonal weather in the month is likely to be behind fashion sales performing better.

“With such meagre growth in online sales in May, it is vital online retailers master the art of customer-centricity and personalisation. Ensuring the right products are available at the right time, and that surplus stock is not sold at significantly reduced prices, is becoming ever more important.  Success will come from an ability to target the online shoppers who spend more and return less.”

PRESS ENQUIRIES:
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
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Source: BRC

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BRC: UK retail sales in May down by 0.4% on a like-for-like basis from May 2016

London, 2017-Jun-06 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC – KPMG RETAIL SALES MONITOR MAY 2017

Covering the four weeks 30 April – 27 May 2017​

  • In May, UK retail sales decreased by 0.4% on a like-for-like basis from May 2016, when they had increased 0.5% from the preceding year.
  • On a total basis, sales rose 0.2% in May, against a growth of 1.4% in May 2016. This is the lowest since January, excluding Easter distortions, and below the 3-month and 12-month averages of 1.9% and 1.2% respectively.
  • Over the three months to May, Food sales increased 3.2% on a like-for-like basis and 4.3% on a total basis. This is the strongest 3-month average since February 2012, excluding Easter distortions. This pulls the 12-month Total average growth to 2.2%, the highest since January 2014.
  • Over the three-months to May, Non-Food retail sales in the UK decreased 0.3% on a like-for-like basis and increased 0.1% on a total basis, below the 12-month Total average growth to 0.5%. May’s Total Non-Food performance was the worst recorded since May 2011.
  • Over the three-months to May, Online sales of Non-Food products grew 7.0% while In-store sales declined 1.8% on a Total basis and 2.3% on a like-for-like basis, below the like-for-like 12-month average decline of 2.0%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive | British Retail Consortium said: “After the pick-up in sales over Easter, consumer spending slowed again in May resulting in almost flat growth on the previous year. Underneath the headlines, there’s continued variation in the performance of food versus non-food products, as sales performance of the two become increasingly polarised. Food sales, albeit positively distorted by inflation, continue to see annual growth, while in non-food categories which are predominantly capturing discretionary spending, retailers find themselves having to compete even harder.

“Overall, May’s sales slowdown is indicative of a longer term trend of a decline in consumer spending power. As household budgets become increasingly squeezed by inflation, predominantly in the non-retail part of the consumer basket, it’s vital that the next Government helps retailers keep prices low for ordinary shoppers. This means, as well as securing a tariff-free trade deal with the EU, negotiating frictionless customs arrangements; providing certainty for EU colleagues working in the UK; and ensuring the continuity of existing EU legislation as it transfers into UK law.”

Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail | KPMG said:

“After the surge in retail sales last month – the by-product of this year’s relatively late Easter – retailers have been brought back down to earth with a thump. Like-for-like retail sales contracted in May, which is likely to represent a more accurate depiction of the state of UK retail currently.

“The impact of inflationary pressures on the nation’s purse continues to play out in this month’s figures, with shoppers evidently spending more on food and drink than on non-food purchases. With inflation continuing to rise and wage growth stagnating, consumers are starting to feel the pinch – although the highly competitive nature of the UK grocery market continues to play out in the consumer’s favour.

“Many retailers, particularly fashion stores, will be poised and ready to make the most of the upcoming summer, so hopefully the weather will play fair. An increased focus on managing costs will dominate the retail agenda. More imminently though, eyes will be firmly placed on the outcome of the General Election, with close attention being paid to the implications it might have on the industry.”

Food & Drink sector performance | Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive | IGD said:

“Food and drink sales were again strong in May, not quite reaching the heights of average growth from the previous two months, but maintaining the trend for year-on-year growth. This was mainly attributable to inflation combined with warm weather in the run-up to the late May bank holiday. The sustained sunshine saw beers, wines and spirits enjoy double-digit growth.

“With no big summer event beyond the regular schedule this year, sales over the next few months will hinge largely on the weather. Hot conditions encourage impulse buying. For instance, over a third (34 per cent) of shoppers say they tend to revert at the last minute to a barbecue when the weather is good.”

PRESS ENQUIRIES:
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557747269

Source: BRC

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UK’s GDP in 1Q: second estimate shows slower growth, from 0.3% to 0.2% on the previous quarter

London, 2017-May-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The second estimate of the UK’s GDP in quarter one has revealed that growth so far this year has been slower than the first thought, dropping from 0.3% to 0.2% on the previous quarter.

The data, released earlier today (May 25, 2017) by the Office for National Statistics, show that GDP grew 0.2% in Q1 on the previous quarter, one basis point lower than the first estimate of 0.3%. A closer look reveals that the main reason for this slowdown is a sharp drop in household expenditure growth, which decelerated to its slowest rate since the end of 2014. This is definitive evidence that the strong consumer spending of the second half of 2016 evaporated in early 2017.Household final consumption expenditure grew just 0.3% in Q1 on the previous quarter, over two times slower than the rate of growth in Q4 2016 and the slowest rate since Q4 2014. This picture from the ONS aligns with that we’ve received from the retail sales data so far this year – namely that consumer spending has dropped off significantly. So far this year food sales have outpaced non-food growth, which has been stagnant for a number of months.

While at first glance this may be encouraging to food retailers, when price increases are taken into account it is clear that UK consumers are shopping in fairly tricky conditions. The impact of sterling devaluation in June is now starting to filter through to prices, the Shop Price Index recorded rising food prices from February onwards, the first time there have been three-months of consecutive food price inflation since 2014. Shoppers are buying the same amounts of food and drink but are having to pay more for it, taking funds from the kitty they have to spend on discretionary items and ‘luxuries’. The average regular wage rate has grown slowly for a number of months, and in the three months to March actually dropped below the rate of inflation. With inflation likely to increase further in the coming months, the problem is unlikely to go away. Conditions for retailers are set to become more difficult.

Despite this weakness, the GDP release also showed an increase in investment in the first quarter of 2017. Gross Fixed Capital Formation, which measures the amount of investment in the economy, grew at 1.2%, its fastest rate since the second quarter of 2015. With the pound still weak, 11% lower than its value on June 23rd 2016, it remains an attractive proposition for companies and individuals abroad to invest in UK business and infrastructure. On top of this the manufacturing industry continues to report solid growth, and has likely used the favourable conditions to plough back some of its profits into investment. Conditions in the wider UK economy remain healthy enough, particularly for importers, who have all to gain from a weaker pound making their goods more competitive abroad.

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC: Footfall in April grew 1.6% vs. same month the previous year, the fastest growth in five years

London, 2017-May-15 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC- SPRINGBOARD FOOTFALL AND VACANCIES MONITOR – APRIL 2017

Covering the four weeks 02 April – 29 April 2017

  • Footfall in April grew 1.6 per cent on the same month in the previous year, the fastest growth since March 2014.
  • This is well above the three-month average of 0.7 per cent, which is the first positive three-month average since May 2014, and the highest since February 2012.
  • High Street footfall grew 2.3 per cent in April, the fastest growth since March 2014. This was ahead of the three-month average of 1.4 per cent.
  • Footfall to retail park destinations grew by 2.7% in April, the fastest growth since January 2016, and well ahead of the three-month average of 0.9 per cent.
  • Shopping Centre footfall fell by 0.6 per cent in April, a slower decline than the three-month average of -0.9 per cent.
  • The national town centre vacancy rate was 9.3 per cent in April 2017, down from 9.4 per cent in January 2017. This is largely due to sharp declines in Greater London and the East, the high street vacancy rates in all other nations/regions having risen in April.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief-Executive | British Retail Consortium

“The Easter holidays boosted family visits to shopping destinations in April, resulting in the fastest annual growth of footfall since March 2014. The inclusion of the holidays in this period will have distorted this figure but even looking beyond this, the picture over the last quarter has been largely positive.

“As has been the trend for some months now, high streets across most of the UK attracted the largest increase in visitors out of all shopping destinations. This translated into good news for stores too, which saw their fastest annual sales growth since January last year.

“At first glance the vacancy rate also looks positive for the month, with a modest decline. However, this average figure belies the increase that occurred in all areas of the UK except London, the East and the North & Yorkshire. We will have to wait for the impact of April’s business rates revaluations to materialise, but the challenges businesses face as the UK negotiates its future relationship with Europe has made reducing the burden and fundamentally reforming the business tax system even more critical.”

Diane Wehrle, Springboard Marketing and Insights Director 

“As Easter fell in April this year, as opposed to March last year, footfall was boosted by +1.6 per cent. This rise comprised a +5 per cent increase in the first half of the month – which culminated in Good Friday and Easter Saturday – and dropped 6.4 per cent in the last two weeks.

“The rise was fuelled further by the weakened Pound, which drove an increase in overseas tourists – demonstrated by the +2.7 per cent uplift in footfall in London’s West End in April – and in Easter staycations amongst domestic visitors. Easter staycations boosted footfall +5.1 per cent in coastal towns and +7.9 per cent in historic towns. The underlying structural shift towards leisure-focussed trips meant that whilst high street footfall rose +1.9 per cent during retail trading hours, trips to high streets after 5pm increased by more than +3 per cent.

“The vacancy rate also improved very slightly in April to 9.3 per cent from 9.4 per cent in January, but this disguises increases in vacancies in all areas apart from in London, the East and the North & Yorkshire. The vacancy rate is perhaps a portent of things to come; inflationary pressures are likely to increase, which could suppress customer behaviour and therefore occupier demand, notwithstanding the emergence of new occupiers who initially tend to focus on London.”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC – KPMG: UK retail sales up by 5.6% in April vs April 2016

London, 2017-May-10 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC – KPMG RETAIL SALES MONITOR APRIL 2017

Covering the four weeks 2 – 29 April 2017

  • In April, UK retail sales increased by 5.6% on a like-for-like basis from April 2016, when they had decreased 0.9% from the preceding year.
  • On a total basis, sales rose 6.3% in April, against flat growth in April 2016. The performance is positively distorted by the timing of Easter and the highest since April 2011, another Easter distortion. This pulls the 3-month average to 2.0%, above the 12-month average of 1.3%.
  • Over the three-months to April, Food sales increased 2.4% on a like-for-like basis and 3.6% on a total basis. This is much faster than the 12-month Total average growth of 2.0%, the highest since February 2014.
  • Over the three-months to April, Non-Food retail sales in the UK increased 0.3% on a like-for-like basis and 0.7% on a total basis, almost in line with the 12-month Total average growth to 0.8%.
  • Over the three-months to April, Online sales of Non-Food products grew 8.2% while In-store sales declined 1.3% on a Total basis and 1.8% on a like-for-like basis, roughly in line with the 12-month average decline of 1.7%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium

“As expected, the Easter holidays provided the welcome boost to retail sales, which goes some way to making up for the disappointing start to the year. That said, the positive distortion from the timing of Easter was largely responsible for the month’s growth and looking to the longer-term signs of a slowdown, the outlook isn’t as rosy.

“Taking a closer look at the sales figures, consumer spend on food and non-food items is diverging. Food categories continue to contribute the most weight to overall growth, although food inflation has a part to play in this. Meanwhile, consumers are being more cautious in their spending towards non-food products and focussing more on value priced lines.

“Shop prices are still down overall although other items of consumer spending are increasing headline inflation and hence driving a tightening of purse strings. Although today’s figures do indicate that consumers are still willing to spend, with a cocktail of rising costs and slowing wage growth as the backdrop, conditions for consumers will get tougher. The next Government needs to deliver a plan that puts consumers first in its economic policies and the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.”

Paul Martin, UK Head of Retail, KPMG

“April’s sales provided a brief period of respite for retailers following a relentless start to the year. However, much of the rise was driven by the timing of Easter and the growing inflationary pressures the sector is facing, rather than a sudden upswing in consumer confidence.

“Food and drink sales soared significantly in April, suggesting that feasts remain at the heart of festive holidays. That said, in the ultra-competitive grocery sector, these growth figures should be taken with a hefty pinch of salt, with margins under significant pressure and profitability remaining a concern.

“The growth in sales of children’s clothes and toys points to parents making the most of school holidays and keeping the kids entertained. Meanwhile, the rise in furniture sales suggests that springtime home improvements have been kicked into gear.

“Looking ahead, retailers need to ensure that this month’s boost doesn’t lull them into a false sense of security. The retail landscape is changing fast and as such, agility and the ability to manage costs will remain critical.”

Joanne Denney-Finch, Chief Executive, IGD

“April’s food and grocery sales are best viewed in combination with March to iron out the changing date of Easter. Sales across this two-month period were up by around 4 per cent on last year, exceptional growth by all recent standards. Partly, this is due to the return of some food inflation but the underlying demand for groceries was also very robust.

“The public remains in a state of uncertainty though and we cannot be sure how long the good run will last. The number of shoppers expecting to be better off in the year ahead has dipped to 21 per cent from 24 per cent last month.”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC Publishes Recommendations For Next Government That Promotes Interests of Retail Industry Consumers

London, 2017-May-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today (May 04, 2017) published its recommendations for the next Government. ‘Pioneers’ sets out the retail industry’s vision for a plan that promotes the interests of consumers in the Brexit negotiations and supports a pioneering, responsible and vibrant industry for the future.

HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE BRC SAID:

“The retail industry will want to see plans from the next Government that puts consumers first in the Brexit negotiations, by ensuring that ordinary shoppers are protected from the cost of unwanted new tariffs. Our recent work on UK trade imports, spelled out the cost to consumers’ food bills of leaving without a deal and falling back on WTO rules. Helping retailers to keep prices low for consumers also means negotiating frictionless customs arrangements; providing certainty for EU colleagues working in the UK; and securing the continuity of existing EU legislation as it transfers to the UK.

“The challenges we face as we negotiate our future relationship with Europe makes it essential for policy makers to understand the rapid change and testing conditions that retail must operate in. Policies that support economic growth and a business tax environment fit for purpose in the 21st century, is what’s needed from the next Government to support retail in its mission to drive productivity with better jobs, innovation and investment to improve the communities they serve.”

BRC’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NEXT GOVERNMENT:

FOR A FAIR BREXIT FOR CONSUMERS:

  • Put consumers first in the Brexit negotiations, ensuring that ordinary shoppers are protected from the cost of unwanted new tariffs.
  • Secure a transitional arrangement that recognises all goods in free circulation, thereby avoiding a cliff edge scenario.
  • Provide assurances to the retail industry’s EU workforce.
  • Transfer existing EU regulation into UK law to help provide certainty and continuity.

FOR A PIONEERING ECONOMY IN A CHANGING WORLD:

  • Build a business tax environment fit for purpose in the 21st century.
  • Accelerate investment in digital infrastructure and enable businesses to build the required skills faster.
  • Empower business responsibility and corporate governance.

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC And Other Trade Bodies Request For Fundamental Reform of Business Rates System

London, 2017-May-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The BRC, along with a number of other trade bodies, are co-signatories to a letter sent to the three political parties to make the case for fundamental reform of the business rates system.

The challenges businesses face as the UK negotiates its future relationship with Europe has made reducing the burden of business rates and fundamentally reforming the system even more critical. How the next Government decides to address the complexity and unfairness of the existing system is therefore a key question for businesses.

Fundamentally this means three things for the next Government:

  • Look across the business taxation system to ensure fairness, and inventivise growth and investment.
  • Increase the frequency of revaluations beginning in 2020 alongside a straightforward valuation process.
  • Move business rates to CPI indexation beginning in 2018, with a flat rate beginning in 2020.

Signatories:

British Retail Consortium
British Chambers of Commerce
Federation of Small Businesses
Assoc. of Licensed Multiple Retailers
British Property Federation
British Beer and Pub Association
Association of Convenience Stores
Revo

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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BRC launches The Tariff Roadmap for the Next Government as part of its A Fair Brexit for Consumers project

LONDON, 2017-Apr-20 — /EPR Retail News/ —As part of our A Fair Brexit For Consumers project, we have launched The Tariff Roadmap For The Next Government.

The report focusses on the tariff aspects of Brexit, illustrating Britain’s current import trade relationships with data and facts to highlight the risks and opportunities presented by the journey ahead.

HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE BRC SAID: 

“Ensuring the journey ahead is positive for both retailers and consumers requires an orderly and sequenced Brexit process. The first step is to mitigate the risks by securing the continuation of tariff-free trade with the EU, to avoid further upward pressure on food prices. Next, is the need to replicate the EU’s existing deals with developing countries. Only then, should the Government look to realise the opportunities presented by new trading relationships with the rest of the world.”

DOWNLOAD

SOURCE: British Retail Consortium

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BRC-SPRINGBOARD MARCH 2017: Footfall up 1.3% on the previous year, the fastest growth since March 2014

London, 2017-Apr-18 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC- SPRINGBOARD FOOTFALL AND VACANCIES MONITOR – MARCH 2017
Covering the five weeks 26 February – 1 April 2017

  • Footfall in March grew 1.3% on the previous year, the fastest growth since March 2014. This is well above the three-month average of -0.2%. Note there is an impact on this number due to a calendar distortion – March 2016 included Easter Sunday, when shops were shut, whereas this year did not, adding one more shopping day, and therefore one more day’s footfall, to the period.
  • There was footfall growth in all three retail destinations in March. High street: 1.7%, Retail Parks: 1.4%, Shopping Centres: 0.2%. This month saw the fastest high street growth since March 2014.
  • 7 out of the 10 nations/regions we report on saw a rise in footfall in March
  • The steepest footfall decline occurred in Northern Ireland, where footfall fell by 3.7%. This was followed by the South West, where footfall fell by 2.3%

HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF-EXECUTIVE | BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM

“Shopper visits increased to all retail destinations in March, resulting in the fastest annual growth in footfall for three years. This is partly owed to the exclusion of Easter Sunday from the period, which therefore benefits from an additional shopping day. But even looking beyond the distortion, the positive growth across most of the country is a reassuring sign for retailers.

“The high street continues to outperform shopping centres and retail parks, for the second consecutive month. Disappointingly though, this didn’t translate into retail sales, which were down in March on the previous year. Now that the Easter holidays have arrived, the challenge for retailers will be to attract this greater number of high street visitors into their stores.”

DIANE WEHRLE, MARKETING AND INSIGHTS DIRECTOR | SPRINGBOARD

“March definitely provided a break in the clouds, with the +1.3% rise in footfall breaking a six-month consecutive decline and the +0.2% increase in footfall in shopping centres being the first since January 2016. Whilst some of the +1.3% may have been a consequence of the loss of a trading day last year due to an early Easter, the impact of this shift should not be overstated as it will have been mitigated by increased trade on the other days over the Easter trading period.

“Indeed, if anything it is more evidence of the continuing structural shift in the use of retail destinations for leisure and hospitality trips. Virtually all of the increase in footfall in March was derived from the post 5pm period while footfall during the trading hours of 9 am to 5 pm dropped –by just -0.5% in high streets, but much more significantly, by -7.1%, in shopping centres. Indeed, the worsening of consumer confidence and inflation from last year is likely to be constraining shoppers’ willingness to spend on retail goods. This all lends further evidence to the fact that retail is no longer the sole driver of footfall, with a strong leisure/hospitality offer being a critical element to secure retail success.”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source:  BRC

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BRC – KPMG: UK retail sales decreased by 1.0% in March 2017 vs March 2016

London, 2017-Apr-12 — /EPR Retail News/ —

BRC – KPMG RETAIL SALES MONITOR MARCH 2017

Covering the five weeks 26 February – 1 April 2017

  • In March, UK retail sales decreased by 1.0% on a like-for-like basis from March 2016, when they had decreased 0.7% from the preceding year.
  • On a total basis, sales fell 0.2% in March, against flat growth in March 2016. This remains below the 3-month average of 0.1% and the 12-month average of 0.8%, but is negatively distorted by the timing of Easter.
  • Over the three-months to March, Food sales decreased 0.2% on a like-for-like basis and increased 1.2% on a total basis. This is the first time in four months that the 3-month average Total growth has been below 2.0%. The 12-month Total average growth rose to 1.5%, the highest since April.
  • Over the three-months to March, Non-Food retail sales in the UK declined 1.1% on a like-for-like basis and 0.8% on a total basis. This is the slowest 3-month Total average growth since May 2011, and drags the 12-month Total average growth to 0.3%, the lowest since April 2012.
  • Over the three-months to March, Online sales of Non-Food products grew 7.4% while In-store sales declined 3.0% on a Total basis and 3.4% on a like-for-like basis.

HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM

“First impressions of March’s sales figures are underwhelming, with the first decline since August last year. That said, the distortion which results from the timing of Easter always makes Spring a tricky period to assess and the later timing of the holiday this year certainly detracted from last month’s performance.

“Mother’s Day gift purchases provided some compensation, boosting sales of beauty and stationary items in particular. Looking at the bigger picture though, the slowdown in non-food growth persists and it now stands at its lowest three-month average for nearly six years.

“Meanwhile, food sales continue to outperform non-food sales as shoppers focus their spending on essential items. This marginal growth in food was bolstered by slightly higher shop prices following increases in global food commodity costs and a weaker pound. The pressure on prices continues to build, albeit slowly, and will inevitably put a tighter squeeze on disposable income and so to ensure consumers continue to enjoy great quality, choice and value on goods, securing tariff free-trade must be the priority as the Brexit negotiations begin in earnest.”

PAUL MARTIN, UK HEAD OF RETAIL, KPMG

“March proved a disappointing end to the first quarter for retailers, with like-for-like sales in the month down 1 per cent on last year. Easter being later in the year is likely to have contributed to the bleaker picture, alongside the other obstacles facing the sector – especially increased input costs.

“Food sales remained in the black for a full quarter, although this is largely being driven by rising inflation, so no reason for too much celebration. Women’s footwear certainly stepped up, encouraged by the arrival of spring collections. Meanwhile, the rise in jewellery and beauty products is likely to have been helped by Mother’s Day.

“Retailers will be hoping Easter boosts retail sales in April, whether it’s shoppers making the most of the holiday or those choosing to spruce up their homes. The new tax year marks further pressure on margins in the form of the apprenticeship levy and business rate changes, therefore tighter cost management and a focus on efficiency is more important than ever.”

JOANNE DENNEY-FINCH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, IGD

“It’s always difficult to interpret the food retail figures for March because of the shifting Easter week. Although sales dipped versus last year, there is every opportunity for retailers to recoup the lost ground in April.

“Easter is the second-biggest peak in the year for food shopping and just as at Christmas, online is playing a growing part. 43% of shoppers say they have bought some of their groceries online in the last month, while 60% intend to shop online for groceries over the next three years.”

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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BRC invites students to help tackle cyber security threats in the UK retail industry

BRC invites students to help tackle cyber security threats in the UK retail industry

 

The BRC has launched a new cyber security student challenge with the chance to win up to £500

London, 2017-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The BRC is inviting students at UK higher education institutions to participate in a paper contest on ‘cyber security risks facing the UK retail industry’, with a focus on how to tackle them. The challenge, which is open to any student based at a UK higher education establishment, invites students to offer new ideas on how government, law enforcement and industry should work together to tackle the main cyber security threats facing retail in the UK.

Entries will be judged by a panel of leading cyber security scholars from Imperial College, London, UCL, and King’s College, London. Successful candidates will be awarded prizes totalling £800 with the winner of the competition will also be given the opportunity to present their paper to members of the BRC’s Fraud and Cyber Security Group, as well as have their work printed in the BRC’s regular membership magazine, The Retailer.

Hugo Rosemont, Crime and Security Policy Adviser at the BRC said:

“Today we’re posing a new challenge around a pressing issue and we think that students across the country will rise to it. Working closely with partners in academia, this initiative has been designed to provide an opportunity to encourage a future generation of cyber security leaders to engage with issues of rapidly increasing importance to the UK. An estimated 53 per cent of reported fraud in the retail industry is cyber-enabled, which represents a total direct cost of around £100 million to UK businesses. The retail industry has long been investing in its cyber resilience in this context, however this is a rapidly evolving field and we are inviting the next generation to come forward with suggestions of new ideas and innovation that can help us keep on top of the challenges facing businesses.”

The challenge is being hosted as part of the BRC’s campaign on cyber security. The BRC recently launched a cyber security ‘toolkit’ for retailers that provides businesses of all sizes with a practical, step-by-step guide to prevent and manage cyber security threats and protect the customers they serve. The toolkit is for the whole of the retail industry and it was launched by Home Office Minister Sarah Newton earlier this month, and has received support from, amongst others, the UK’s new National Cyber Security Centre.

For details and conditions of the competition: entry guidelines

Contact:

BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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NFU, FDF and BRC announces joint priorities for UK trade policy

London, 2017-Mar-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — We have joined with the National Farmers Union of England and Wales (NFU) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) to outline our joint priorities for UK trade policy.

The statement, which has been sent to the Secretary of States and Ministers at the Department for Exiting the European Union, the Department for International Trade, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, addresses the strategic importance for the UK of the food supply chain and builds consensus around a number of priority areas for trade. The food supply chain not only employs almost four million people and generates over £100 billion of value for the economy each year, but keeps the nation fed: ensuring consumers have access to a wide range of nutritional, quality foods at affordable prices.

Joint statement on trade

The UK’s food supply chain – farmers, food and drink manufacturers and retailers – keeps the nation fed, ensuring consumers have access to a wide range of nutritional, quality foods at affordable prices. As the process of leaving the EU develops, the food supply chain will work together to ensure that our consumers continue to enjoy great quality, choice and value.

The UK food supply chain employs 3.9m people from farming through manufacturing to retail and food service and generates £108bn in value.

Much of the food supply chain is domestically based, and our organisations are committed to domestic production that is competitive and profitable and fully meets the demands of British consumers.

Nevertheless, we cannot operate in isolation. Our farmers need imported feed and inputs and they need access to other markets for their products, especially where demand for these in the UK is insufficient. Our food and drink manufacturers rely on exports to grow their businesses and imports to complement their use of domestically produced ingredients and raw materials. Our retailers need access to a full range of goods all year round to balance seasonality and meet consumer demand.

The regulatory framework that governs this international trade therefore matters to all of us, both in strengthening and supporting UK producers in domestic and foreign markets, and in affording UK consumers and the agri-food and drink industry the benefits of freer trade with overseas partners.

Currently, that framework is determined by the EU, internally through the Single Market and Customs Union, externally through the EU’s Common Commercial Policy. The Prime Minister has made clear that these arrangements will change when the UK leaves the EU.

The new framework for the UK’s trading relations will be determined in part through negotiation with the EU, in part through negotiations with other countries and in part by the UK acting alone. In these distinct areas we call on the government to adopt an approach that will ensure stability and continuity for agri-food and drink businesses by:

  • First of all, ensuring a smooth and orderly Brexit by agreeing transitional arrangements that maintain frictionless trade in goods between the UK and the EU, avoiding costly and disruptive customs checks, processes and procedures
  • In the medium term, avoiding customs duties on trade by securing an ambitious bilateral free trade agreement with the EU that delivers two-way tariff-free trade
  • Establishing the UK as an independent member of WTO, providing continuity and predictability by adopting the EU’s current schedule of Most Favoured Nation bound tariff rates
  • Securing the benefits for UK traders of existing EU preferential trade arrangements, including the UK’s fair share of tariff rate quotas for agricultural imports, as well as of any preferential access for UK food and drink exports, at least until government can replace them with acceptable alternative arrangements.
  • Engaging in formal trade negotiations with third countries when the terms of the UK’s future trading relations with the EU and other existing preferential trading partners are clear
  • Establishing cooperation with third countries on regulatory equivalence and ensuring that all new trade agreements take into consideration differences in regulations and standards when market access is negotiated
  • Consulting with stakeholders and undertaking detailed economic impact assessments when trade negotiations are opened and before any offers are exchanged.

Contact:

BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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BRC launches cyber security “toolkit” to prevent and manage cyber security threats

London, 2017-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The BRC has today (March 07, 2017) launched a cyber security ‘toolkit’ that will provide retail businesses of all sizes with a practical, step-by-step guide to prevent and manage cyber security threats and protect the customers they serve.

The BRC Cyber Security Toolkit, launched in London today by the BRC and Home Office Minister Sarah Newton MP, is the first of its kind. The toolkit aims to provide retailers with practical guidance to ensure they have the appropriate preventative and response measures in place to reduce their vulnerabilities and to protect both themselves and their customers.

For retailers, the online market has seen huge growth in recent years with online sales growing by around 10 to 15 per cent each year. The same period has seen the parallel rise of ever more elaborate forms of cyber-related crimes such as ‘doxing’, ‘whaling’ and ‘spoofing’ against both retail businesses and online shoppers. In developing this toolkit, the BRC and its members were driven by a desire to keep pace with the evolving risks associated with operating online and also to ensure they meet customer expectations around the protection of personal data.

The toolkit’s recommendations to retail businesses include: establishing cyber security as a board level issue, retail-specific information-sharing, completing a cyber security risk assessment, and creating an incident response plan. The toolkit also provides a guide to preparing, responding, recovering and reviewing attacks.

Consumers spend approximately one in four pounds online. According to the BRC Annual Retail Crime Survey 2016, an estimated 53 per cent of reported fraud in the retail industry is cyber-enabled, which represents a total direct cost of around £100 million.

HUGO ROSEMONT, POLICY ADVISER ON CRIME & SECURITY AT BRC, SAID:

“The UK is one of the leading e-commerce markets in the world. The BRC Cyber Security Toolkit is designed to equip British retailers with the know-how, guidance and practical support that will help the industry stay ahead of the ever evolving threats posed by cyber-related criminality. All parts of the retail industry have a large and growing stake in keeping customers safe and secure, and the industry is committed to ensuring the strongest possible measures are in place – all the way through from prevention to incident response.”

SARAH NEWTON, MINISTER FOR VULNERABILITY, SAFEGUARDING AND COUNTERING EXTREMISM SAID:

“Crime is changing and so the way we all work to tackle it must change too.

“We are already taking world-leading action to stamp out cyber crime and fraud, including investing £1.9 billion in cyber security over five years. But as we have said, the Government cannot do this alone.

“Businesses have a responsibility to take steps to protect themselves and their customers, which is why we are delighted that the BRC has introduced their Cyber Security Toolkit to help retailers to do so.”

DR IAN LEVY, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AT THE NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY CENTRE, SAID:

“The retail sector is vital to the UK’s economic well-being and both the sector and its supply chain are increasingly reliant on online safety and security.

“The NCSC is delighted to be working with the BRC in finding innovative ways to make the UK a safe place for citizens, e-commerce, small businesses and large chains to do retail business online.

“We are committed to giving individuals and businesses of all sizes confidence to deliver success in our increasingly digitalised economy, and were pleased to support the development of this toolkit.”

Notes to Editors

  1. The Cyber Security Toolkit for retailers was developed under the auspices of the BRC’s Fraud and Cyber Security Member Group and has benefitted from formal and informal consultation.
  2. Consumers spend approximately one in four pounds online: BRC- KPMG Online Retail Sales Monitor February 2017
  3. The BRC Annual Retail Crime Survey 2016 is here: http://brc.org.uk/media/116348/10081-brc-retail-crime-survey-2016_all-graphics-latest.pdf An estimated 53 per cent of reported fraud in the retail industry is cyber-enabled, which represents a total direct cost of around £100 million. Representing around 15% of the total cost of retail crime, cyber-enabled fraud covers traditional categories of deception (such as scams or other forms of social engineering) which, according to the Government’s definition, can be increased in scale through the use of computers or other information and communications technology (ICT). Cyber-crime, by contrast, are crimes (such as hacking to steal data) that can be committed only through ICT. As a conservative first estimate, this latter category represented a direct financial loss to the retail industry of around £36m in 2016.
  4. For detail on the character of threats including doxing, whaling and spoofing, the BRC Cyber Security Toolkit contains a Glossary of Cyber Security Threats and Terminology (pp.39-40).

Contact:

BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

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BRC launches cyber security “toolkit” to prevent and manage cyber security threats

Source: BRC

 

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BRC: Consumer price inflation increased 1.8% in January from 1.6% in the previous month

London, 2017-Feb-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Consumer price inflation continued on its upward trajectory in January, rising 1.8% on an annual basis from 1.6% in the previous month, broadly in line with expectations. Core inflation, which strips out erratic items such as food and energy, in fact remained unchanged at 1.6% for the second consecutive month. Whilst some areas of the consumer basket are feeling the impact of the devaluation, in other areas, continued heavy discounting is more than offsetting building underlying pressures, for now.

The main contributors to the increase in the 12-month CPI rate came from transport and food. The rising oil price and the fall of the pound continue to push up the price of motor fuels, which grew 3.4% this year compared with a fall a year earlier.

Food inflation has been creeping back towards zero over the last four months, remaining in negative territory in January, -0.4%, but recording the highest rate for over two and a half years. Meat, Fish and Vegetables have been the main drivers of the slowing rate of food deflation in recent months.

On the other Clothing and Footwear prices fell more this year than they did a year earlier, putting downward pressure on overall inflation. The proportion of items on sale was greater this year compared with last, as we also reported in our BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index in January. The poor performance over the festive period in part explains this as retailers had excess stock to clear in the January sales.

Further price increases are in the pipeline. The gap between producer prices and consumer prices in January has widened further, as the output price of manufactured goods rose by 3.5%, 1.7 percentage points higher than the CPI headline rate. Retailers are still in a position to shield consumers from rising prices, however, they cannot do this forever.

Siobhan Bentley, Analyst, Retail Insight and Analytics, BRC

Contact:

TEL: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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Retail 2020 Dashboard: BRC provides baseline measurement of progress to more productive, more rewarding and better paid jobs

Retail 2020 Dashboard: BRC provides baseline measurement of progress to more productive, more rewarding and better paid jobs

 

London, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The BRC and our members are committed to understanding how developments in retail business can achieve positive change; we anticipate playing a strong partnership role with Government in the development of an Industrial Strategy to make this change happen.

Our work has shown that it is imperative to improve industry productivity, to harness and develop new and different skills for the digital age as well as a clear need to deliver better on the things that people who work in the industry say are most important to them. Working with members, we have defined a shared industry vision of what better jobs look like in the future. (Retail 2020- The Journey to Better Jobs.)

The Retail 2020 Dashboard, launched on 13 February 2017, takes this project further by providing a baseline measurement of progress towards this trajectory of more productive, more rewarding and better paid jobs. The Dashboard will monitor how the retail workplace landscape is responding to these structural changes by tracking progress on four key industry metrics: productivity, pay, engagement and employment.

HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM SAID:

“Structural change in the industry has significant implications for its workforce. The technological revolution is fundamentally altering the way retail businesses operate and the skills needed for future success. We have a choice between improved productivity driven by better jobs, innovation and new skills for the digital age and improved productivity driven primarily by a shrinking UK retail workforce.

“The Retail 2020 Dashboard will shine a light on the retail industry’s progress in becoming more productive and developing more engaged employees. As our industry co-operates to share data and developments, we will be able to provide Government with valuable information about what transforms productivity.

“At a time when UK retail is having to find 20 per cent of its current profitability to mitigate the impact of uncontrollable increases in its cost base and against a backdrop of inflation and slow growth, the industry’s commitment to improving productivity will require the support of Government policies that allow room to invest in skills and technology for the digital age. This is where we see a retail opportunity in the Government’s recently published Industrial Strategy”

Contact:

TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE responds to Theresa May’s speech on Brexit

London, 2017-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — RESPONDING TO THERESA MAY’S SPEECH TODAY (January 17, 2017)  ON BREXIT, HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE BRC SAID:

“The Prime Minister has an ambitious plan with the right priorities. It is crucial that Britain gets a new deal that works for ordinary British consumers, which doesn’t hit them with the costs of new import tariffs at a time when the pound is already weakened. The Government has an opportunity to secure a win-win deal that works for the UK economy, by keeping prices down for consumers, while allowing the EU to continue benefiting from its open-trade relationship with the UK.

“This deal will take time to agree. The proposed ‘phased introduction’ must at all costs avoid the cliff-edge scenario – a sudden and overnight change in trading conditions that won’t benefit anyone. The number one priority for an orderly exit should be to allow all goods traded between the EU and the UK to be in free circulation.”

On the transfer of EU regulation:

“We welcome the clarity provided by the Government’s intention to transfer existing EU-based regulation into UK-based regulation.  Transferring responsibility for regulation from the EU to the UK will be a complicated task, taking up enormous resource. The focus should be ensuring the smooth transition from EU to UK law. Substantive reform will have to wait until we have left the EU.”

On the status of EU colleagues:

“Workers from the European Union are part of the reason that British retailers are often able to deliver affordable and high-quality goods. The Government is right to signal reassurance to EU workers throughout our UK supply chains about their right to remain here.”

Notes to Editors:

Retailers have come together to evaluate the impact of different potential trading arrangements, the analysis of which will be published by the British Retail Consortium soon.

Contact:

02078548900
info@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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BRC: Toy category boosted online sales in September

London, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM: “As with total sales, online saw an improvement on last month’s performance and fell back in line with the twelve-month average of above 10 per cent. Interestingly, for the first time online was a popular shopping destination for back- to school purchases, testament to retailers successfully ramping up their digital services and making it an integral part of the customer offer. Promotional activity in the toy category, which was September’s top performing category, also boosted online sales as the early birds were enticed to start their Christmas shopping.

“Online shopping is still the main source of sales growth for UK retailers, but popular services like click & collect and show rooming are significant drivers of online sales meaning physical stores still have a crucial role to play. Shoppers are more and more using a combination of the internet and high-street stores for the whole shopping journey; from browsing to the purchase itself. The result is that shops are increasingly becoming a destination to experience products rather than just to buy them.”

PAUL MARTIN, NEWLY APPOINTED HEAD OF RETAIL, KPMG: “With summer coming to an end and “back to school” the main event in September, online shopping growth accelerated in the month with non-food sales up 10.2 per cent compared to last year and penetration rates rising to 21.1 per cent.

“Children’s toys performed strongest in terms of growth, no doubt spurred on by notable promotions from some of the major retailers in this sector. Likewise, health and beauty, furniture and home accessories all experienced a ringing at e-checkouts, as consumers looked to bag a bargain in the end of season sales.

“Compared to a dreary performance on the high-street, women’s fashion performed well online. However, footwear didn’t stand up to the success observed in-store, notably the only category which saw a decline online this month. Nevertheless, all eyes will be fixed on maintaining online sales momentum between now and Black Friday – the next major e-tail moment in the 2016 calendar.”

Media Contact:

BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC