Christmas retail sales set for 3% increase

 

Christmas retail sales across the UK are predicted to grow by 3% in December, as consumer confidence improves and consumers look to spend more on leisure.

The forecast, by analyst Mintel, is based on sustained improved trade during 2012, with the recovery set to continue into next year.

Richard Perks, director of retail research at Mintel, said: "Retail sales growth has averaged around 3% so far this year and as the pressures on consumers are, if anything, easing there is no reason to suppose that that rate cannot be maintained. 3% should be the median forecast."

Spas and salons will welcome the news that consumer spend on leisure is set for a further boost next year. “It seems to us that leisure spending has been cut much harder than retail spending and Mintel’s tracker research strongly indicates that consumers most want to spend more on leisure,” Perks continued.