Richard O’Sullivan, MD of Boost Juice Bars, UK, and founder and ex MD of Millies Cookies YES There is always the hardcore of shoppers that will underpin the basic Christmas trade. However, there is little extra cash in the average household budget for discretionary spend.
After an appalling summer, an unusually mild start to the autumn, rising fuel prices, and at least a cautious view over the current economy, it will be a brave retailer who approaches this Christmas convinced of a better than average trading пЂҐperiod. The ease of entry and exit from shopping centre car parks during the recent halfterm suggests very poor пЂҐOctober sales figures will be announced shortly.