BIRA comments on BRC - KPMG Sales Monitor figures for December 2022

The British Independent Retailers Association has reacted to the latest sales monitor figures released by the BRC and KPMG for December - and has said they aren't as positive as they appear.

Recent figures released have shown a total growth of 6.9% which was better than in 2021 and previous months. This growth was driven by increases in the food and drink sector because non-food growth was only 1.5%.

The results have highlighted:

• For 2022 overall, UK Total Retail sales increased by 3.1% from 2021. Food growth was 3.0% and Non-Food growth was 3.2% for the year.
• On a Total basis, sales increased by 6.9% in December, against an increase of 2.1% in December 2021. This is above both the 3-month average growth of 4.4% and the 12-month average growth of 3.1%.
• UK retail sales increased by 6.5% on a Like-for-like basis from December 2021, when they had increased by 0.6%. This was above the 3-month average growth of 4.1% and the 12-month average growth of 1.8%.

However, BIRA has said the results aren't as positive as they first seem.

BIRA CEO Andrew Goodacre said: "Given that inflation is at 10%, in reality, these figures reflect significant falls in volumes sold on the high street.

“At first glance, these figures may look as if Christmas was a success for retail. However, closer analysis shows that non-food retailers struggled with consumers reigning in discretionary expenditure. This is disappointing and will result in a very difficult 2023 for many independent retailers throughout the UK.