17 January 2025
Bira is calling for urgent government intervention following disappointing December retail figures, which show sales volumes fell by 0.3% following a modest 0.1% rise in November 2024.
The figures, released today, reveal that while non-food stores such as clothing retailers saw some recovery, this was insufficient to offset falls in other sectors, particularly supermarkets.
Bira believes these figures highlight the urgent need for government support for the retail sector.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "The retail sales in December perfectly sum up the difficulties that retailers (especially non-food retailers) have faced in 2024. Consumer confidence has been low all year despite wages rising more than inflation and a new government being elected.
"It also means that many retailers will look forward to 2025 with much trepidation, especially as we know that the costs of running a shop are set to increase significantly from April onwards – increases in employment costs and 140% increase in business rates. We are urging the government to reconsider reversing the rates increase if they are serious about revitalising high streets."
This call for action comes as retailers face mounting pressures from upcoming cost increases, with the planned business rates rise posing a particular threat to independent high street retailers.
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We’re talking to a cross section of our members from across the UK, from single retail outlets to small chains, and from large department stores to leisure and hospitality.
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Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
- £1 billion damages claim against Amazon by UK retailers
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