Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 27
British retailers report record retail sales decline amid Iran war inflation fears
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 27

British retailers report record retail sales decline amid Iran war inflation fears

8 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 27
  • The CBI retail sales volume measure fell to -68 in April, its lowest since 1983, with 77% of firms reporting year-on-year declines and only 9% seeing increases.
  • Expectations for May worsened to -60, the weakest since March 2021, as consumer confidence and spending dropped sharply following the Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Retailers are urging the UK government to ease cost pressures, while broader surveys show falling consumer confidence and manufacturer optimism amid ongoing global uncertainties and elevated operating costs.
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