As parents look forward to the new school year, UK retailers are preparing for strong back-to-school season. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse report, which measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment, UK retail sales excluding petrol are expected to grow 12 per cent during August 16 to September 19, compared to same period in 2019.
Year-on-year, sales are expected to jump 6.7 per cent compared to 2020. This anticipated growth builds on positive retail momentum, as total retail sales rose 4.2 per cent year-on-year in July, fuelled by pent-up demand and lifting of restrictions, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse’s report.
“Fashion will be a big winner in the back-to-school shopping sprees. Clothing sales are expected to increase 18.7 per cent compared to the same time last year, as people flock to the shops to buy new school uniforms and office clothing,” the report further added.
“Back to school has always been a key shopping time for retailers. This year, the broader reopening of the high street brings an exciting wave of optimism as children prepare for what is hopefully an uninterrupted school year,” Kelly Devine, divisional president, Mastercard UK & Ireland, said in a press release. “This back-to-school season will be defined by choice as online sales remain robust and brick and mortar browsing regains momentum as shoppers seek to make up for lost time.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JL)
As parents look forward to the new school year, UK retailers are preparing for strong back-to-school season. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, which measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment, UK retail sales excluding petrol are expected to grow 12 per cent during August 16 to September 19, compared to same period in 2019.