Interviews
Womenswear retail sales slightly better in June
12 Aug '08
4 min read
Department Stores:
It was another tough month for most. There were some good clearances in clothing, footwear and smaller homewares, but underlying trade was still difficult, especially for big-ticket homewares, where sales were often down on a year ago.
Homewares:
House textiles sales fell further below their year-earlier level and home accessories also remained down on a year ago, despite continued discounts and extended clearances. The squeeze on household incomes favoured basic essentials and replacements rather than upgrades or additional extras, thus benefiting value lines and new ranges. The sunnier days helped outdoor living, picnic and patioware.
Furniture and Floorcoverings:
Sales were well below their year-earlier levels for the sixth consecutive month. With no let-up in the housing market slowdown and the squeeze on incomes, forward orders pointed to further slowdown. Fitted kitchens and bathrooms, dining and living were all difficult. Upholstery and bedroom furniture showed gains for some, but often discount-driven.
Health and Beauty:
Toiletries and cosmetics fell just below their year-earlier level. Value-conscious shoppers on restricted budgets took advantage of widespread promotions and discounts, especially on core toiletries and healthcare. Suncare and footcare picked up on the sunnier days. Skincare was mixed but with contemporary and premium lines holding up for some. Medicines and vitamins were generally flat, amid strong competition.
Leisure Goods:
The sunny days helped outdoor leisure sales, though often discount-driven. Computer games and consoles continued to show gains, with sales often limited by supplies. Book sales were well down against last July's Harry Potter surge, with underlying trade broadly flat. DVD and CD sales were mixed, also against stronger releases last year.
Mail Order:
Sales were disappointing for many, with a slow start to some new season catalogues. Clothing and footwear were mixed and homewares struggled, although credit deals did help some big-ticket items.
It was another tough month for most. There were some good clearances in clothing, footwear and smaller homewares, but underlying trade was still difficult, especially for big-ticket homewares, where sales were often down on a year ago.
Homewares:
House textiles sales fell further below their year-earlier level and home accessories also remained down on a year ago, despite continued discounts and extended clearances. The squeeze on household incomes favoured basic essentials and replacements rather than upgrades or additional extras, thus benefiting value lines and new ranges. The sunnier days helped outdoor living, picnic and patioware.
Furniture and Floorcoverings:
Sales were well below their year-earlier levels for the sixth consecutive month. With no let-up in the housing market slowdown and the squeeze on incomes, forward orders pointed to further slowdown. Fitted kitchens and bathrooms, dining and living were all difficult. Upholstery and bedroom furniture showed gains for some, but often discount-driven.
Health and Beauty:
Toiletries and cosmetics fell just below their year-earlier level. Value-conscious shoppers on restricted budgets took advantage of widespread promotions and discounts, especially on core toiletries and healthcare. Suncare and footcare picked up on the sunnier days. Skincare was mixed but with contemporary and premium lines holding up for some. Medicines and vitamins were generally flat, amid strong competition.
Leisure Goods:
The sunny days helped outdoor leisure sales, though often discount-driven. Computer games and consoles continued to show gains, with sales often limited by supplies. Book sales were well down against last July's Harry Potter surge, with underlying trade broadly flat. DVD and CD sales were mixed, also against stronger releases last year.
Mail Order:
Sales were disappointing for many, with a slow start to some new season catalogues. Clothing and footwear were mixed and homewares struggled, although credit deals did help some big-ticket items.
British Retail Consortium
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