Retailers feel the squeeze but ‘total retail’ bargains to be had for consumers

THREE quarters of 100 high street retailers were on sale or advertising promotions in their shop window such as three for two last week, according to a report by PwC.

This is almost double 2009’s figure of 40%, while similar to the same time last year – 73%. It was 70% and 60% in 2011 and 2010 respectively.

The average price discounts being advertised were 47%, the same as last year – and up slightly from 45% in 2011 and 2010.

Randal Casson, partner and retail expert, PwC Leeds, said: “It’s easy to get the impression that all the high street and online too is on sale and that this is a reaction to the absence, or hopefully late appearance, of summer this year. However, the truth is that sales have been starting earlier each year and this year just continues the trend.

“I believe that online is impacting our seasonal buying cycles. Autumn lines have been previewed since early May and the ability to reserve ahead is commonplace. So, for the British fashion buyer there are two options – buy ahead and get your pick of the trends, or wait and get a bargain. The British consumer wins both ways in this ‘total retail’ world.”

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