Consumer spending UK high street sales stagnant amid January retail gloom Consumer spending squeeze blamed for 0.1% rise with only gym kit and toys increasing Sales of gym and fitness equipment helped offset falling food sales. Photograph: Tempura/Getty Images/iStockphotoJanuary was a tough month for high street retailers as sales rose just 0.1%, far below City expectations, as higher prices continued to deter shoppers from spending. As a rule of thumb, times of high inflation are good for borrowers and bad for investors. The official figures on sales volumes tell a different story to retailers’ sales figures. With greater competition for households’ increasingly precious discretionary spending, retailers will have to be savvier than ever in offering great products and great value to consumers.”

Source: The Guardian February 16, 2018 11:22 UTC