In menswear too, preference for smaller cheaper items favoured scarves and gloves while outerwear and suits suffered. In childrenswear, boyswear continued to outperform girlswear.
Price deflation, particularly in clothing, continues to demoralize the figures with like-for-like sales in clothing and footwear significantly down on the year.
Footwear - It was a difficult month, with both men's and women's footwear struggling in a very competitive environment and discounts widespread.
Boots were often left on the shelf as many shoppers had bought them last year, though there was some uplift in leather styles. Meanwhile the new spring/summer styles had a very slow start. Children's shoes benefited early in the month from a modest back-to-school boost.
Furniture & carpets - Trade picked up in the clearance sales as price-conscious shoppers sought good deals on big-ticket items. Beds and modern dining furniture did well. Floorcoverings also improved, benefiting from discounts. There was continued interest in fitted carpets, but rug sales were more difficult.
Homewares & DIY - Homewares remained tough for both smaller items and big-ticket purchases. Basic essentials of cookware and hardware were preferred to more discretionary and luxury items. DIY sales picked up in the clearance sales, with kitchens and bathrooms particularly popular. After the sales ended, trade returned to the difficult pre-Christmas levels and purchases were largely driven by discounts and promotions.
Health & beauty - Sales slowed but in most sectors did remain better than in the UK. Cosmetics and fragrances were popular in the sales, with gift sets clearing well. Healthcare was helped by widespread promotions and the post-Christmas emphasis on healthy lifestyles. Toiletries slowed, though customers were tempted by offers and promotions.
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The SRC's parent association is the British Retail Consortium (BRC) based in London and Brussels.
British Retail Consortium
marketing@alchempro.com
