Industry overview:

Mintel’s latest research shows how retail sales rose by 4.5% (at current prices) in 2004, with total growth since 2000 standing at 19% (at current prices).

Mintel’s analysis indicates that predominantly non-food retailers account for 51.9% of retail trade. Food retailers account for 43.2% of trade while non-store retailers, including home shopping specialists, account for 4.9% and this has declined from 5.7% since 2000.

Of particular note is the fact that clothing and footwear retailers and household goods retailers increased sales by 23.5% and 21.4% respectively between 2000 and 2004. Non-specialist non-food retailers, such as Boots the Chemists, Woolworths and the department stores, have grown by only 11.1%, since 2000 indicating that they are losing share to specialists and food retailers.

About Mintel’s research:

Retail Review is Mintel’s annual overview of retail performance and trends in the UK. Essential for anyone involved in assessing retail prospects, both in the industry itself or on the periphery, Retail Review offers you an invaluable analysis of all the key retail trends, category by category.

Supplying company sales and profit performance data for 164 retail-reporting entities with turnover of over £75 million (£100 million in food), Retail Review also offers an insight into their operating strategies and progress. Information on companies just below the turnover threshold are also included, ensuring this vital report offers a one-stop reference source for your retail research needs.

In addition, this invaluable report also contains the findings from exclusive consumer research into financial prospects and spending priorities for the coming year, enabling you to establish the prospects for retailers in the UK based on actual consumer intentions.