The latest retail sales data available for Europe’s top markets paints a picture of a protracted economic recovery, and of low consumer confidence as a reaction to the onset of austerity measures. Despite its solid economic position, Germany looks in danger of slipping into a familiar habit of reticence to spend, improvement in France will likely be short-lived given the reaction to austerity measures while performance in the Netherlands underlines the shaky confidence that remains. Retail sales growth in the UK is slowing while Spain and Italy will take some time to recover.
We expect little more than slow growth throughout the rest of 2010 as consumers face up to the tough times ahead.
European Retail Briefing is a monthly briefing providing news and analysis that includes company results, store openings, cross-border moves, M & A activities, executive changes and property developments. Additionally each month, European Retail Briefing focuses on a key issue or specific European retail sector. The month's retail news is then analysed sector by sector, making this an invaluable resource for all with an interest in the European retail industry.