The findings of the 14th Retail Barometer (sent out by Progressive Housewares and Bira) show that business was ‘better’ in 2018 compared to 2017 for 26% of respondents, and ‘the same’ for another 28%.
There is a break from the downward trend of recent years. While 46% of respondents fared ‘worse’ last year compared to 2017, in the previous two Retail Barometers this figure went above the half way mark (53% and 54% ‘worse’ respectively).
However, looking back at overall expectations at the beginning of 2018, some 39% of independents were looking forward to ‘marginal growth,’ while in reality 26% achieved growth. Moreover, only 26% had anticipated decline, which sadly does not match the 46% that fared ‘worse’.
However, showing that some indies definitely had a good year’s trade, those who did experience growth specified increases of at least 10% for 2018.
The Retail Barometer 2018 survey was open to all independent cookshops and housewares stockists to create a full picture of independent housewares retailing in today’s turbulent climate.
For the full findings see PH March/April pages 22-25.
