BIRA, the (UK) independent retailers’ body, says rising cost and supply chain problems are hitting small stores in the crucial pandemic recovery period.
Acknowledging stronger high street sales in October (and online sales dropping back to 27% of total sales), BIRA CEO Andrew Goodacre said: “Despite these positive indicators, we remain concerned about rising costs for the smaller retailers and the problems in the supply chain that are impeding the independent retailers ability to meet consumer demand.
“This current trading period is the most important one for retail, and we need stronger sales in November and December to help retailers take on the many challenges that await them in 2022.”
Photo by Daria Nepriakhina on Unsplash
