Vendas no varejo do Reino Unido desaceleram conforme preocupações orçamentárias freiam gastos

Consumidores britânicos apertam os cintos enquanto a realidade econômica bate à porta

O fantasma do orçamento familiar

As prateleiras ficam mais cheias enquanto as carteiras esvaziam. O temor pelo amanhã supera o desejo de consumo hoje. Lojas enfrentam corredores mais vazios e caixas mais silenciosos.

O contra-ataque do varejo

Varejistas cortam preços, lançam promoções agressivas e repensam estratégias. Mas os descontos não bastam quando a confiança some. O setor busca alternativas enquanto observa os indicadores caírem.

O ciclo se repete - porque em finanças tradicionais, a única certeza é a incerteza, enquanto os bancos centrais continuam seu baile com a inflação.

Shops prepare for tough ‘golden quarter’

Now retailers are entering into what is called the “golden quarter” — the all-important last three months of the year when profits are driven by Christmas shopping. But the outlook is mixed.

John Lewis Partnership Plc has unveiled its largest-ever seasonal recruitment drive, taking on 13,700 temporary workers at its department stores, warehouses, and Waitrose supermarkets. The company is well-positioned to meet its full-year profit targets, Chairman Jason Tarry said, even after reporting a loss in the first half.

Likewise, the UK’s second-biggest grocer, J Sainsbury Plc, which owns Argos, is to recruit 19,000 temporary workers to cope with the holiday season rush. The supermarket giant anticipates an explosion in online orders and in-store visits this November and December, but cautions that shoppers are likely to remain picky.

Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail and Leisure at KPMG, said spending remained highly targeted as shoppers remained cautious. She noted that retailers were relying on promotions and carefully planned product ranges to attract customers and boost sales in the lead-up to the Christmas season.

Technology sales offered one bright spot, with a lift from the introduction of Apple’s new iPhone and Apple Watch models in mid-September. But other discretionary categories, such as home decor and apparel, were order of magnitude slower.

Meanwhile, shop price inflation increased to 1.4% in September, up from 0.9% in August – its highest since February, according to BRC data. Higher import costs and energy prices continue to squeeze margins.

Tax concerns contribute to pressure on retailers.

Retailers are also dealing with potential tax ripple effects in Reeves’ November budget, beyond the impact on consumer spending. The government is considering changes to business rates — the property tax paid by shops — that could disproportionately hit large stores.

The BRC has cautioned that introducing a new tax band for big retailers could lead to store closures and job losses, particularly among department store chains already struggling with high costs.

Small businesses are especially vulnerable. Some warn that a further rise in business rates would push them into closure. The Federation of Small Businesses has called for the Treasury to freeze or cut the levy next fiscal year in an effort to help stop further decline on Britain’s high streets.

Retail analysts say the current slowdown illustrates a precarious balancing act for policymakers. Tax increases could threaten to erode the already fragile consumer confidence, but postponing fiscal reforms may exacerbate Britain’s budget shortfall.

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