The Bookseller.com

20th November 2008

Poor Easter predicted

18.03.08 Graeme Neill

An early Easter, poor weather and financially stretched consumer base will result in a gloomy Easter for retailers, a retail analyst has claimed. Dr Tim Denison at analyst SPSL predicted that sales would be down 5.2% compared to Easter 2007.

"Nobody can escape the fact that the start of 2008 has been challenging for retailers across the country," he said. "I do not relish being the harbinger of bad news, but our latest forecast does not paint a very healthy picture for Easter retail and those retailers relying on the traditional Easter 'boost' to their takings are likely to be rather disappointed."

Easter this Sunday will fall on the earliest date since 1913 and Denison said that the earlier the holiday period, the smaller the boost it has on shopper numbers.

Denison added that last year's retail sales were boosted by unseasonably hot weather, which drove shoppers onto the high street.

"This year they will be desperately hoping that the rain stays away because if not, it will be a damp squib for them, not the seasonal boost that they usually receive," he said.

Retail Graeme Neill Home SPSL

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