ANALYST VIEWS: HOW BLEAK IS IT FOR THE HIGH STREET AS SALES STUTTER?
RAMONA TIPNIS | SHORE CAPITAL
The data showing a decline for September 2010 highlights that consumers are indeed beginning to reconsider their spending patterns. It is worth noting that excluding auto fuel, the number is flat. Within the general retail numbers as well there are variations, with clothing showing a decline for the second month in a row.
RICHARD HUNTER | HARGREAVES LANSDOWN
For the glass half-full contingent, the figures are an improvement year
on year from last September, showing evidence of some general progress.
However, the figures from this year are anaemic and reflect growing
consumer anxiety.
MATTHEW MCEACHRAN | SINGER CAPITAL MARKETS
Prices rises are being implemented by most retailers especially in the Clothing sector this is exacerbating the underlying pressure on volumes but clearly looking at volumes is only half the picture.