Are you a high street snubber?

Alarm bells were today being sounded on the high street as official figures revealed that in November sales figures had fallen by 0.4%. Although, in fact if fuel sales were to be taken out of the equation the situation would be even bleaker with a 0.7% fall during the month. This depressing news comes amid fears that the UK is on the brink of a double dip recession, along with the fact that inflation at 4.8% (see previous blog) is still outstripping the 1.8% growth in wage packets. But, why is it now that consumers have decided to reject the high-street?

How many of these are you buying this Christmas?

Earlier this week Mary Portas criticised the high street for ‘lacking dynamism and mobility’. However, it has been revealed that prices had actually fallen by 0.8% since October representing a major promotional push by retailers. This price push is certainly not a symptom of un-dynamic retailers and would indicate that the problem lies with the consumer rather than the retailer. What the general feeling of the consumers to the high-street is of course anyone’s guess.

The fact that the sales figures were so low is all the more worrying seeing as the figures were expected to be stronger due to many people hoping the public sector strikes last month would lead to those affected heading to the shops. However, with the festive season now well and truly upon us the high street and the economy will hope that in a month’s time those figures will be looking up rather than down. In the meantime though, we can all do our bit by heading down to the high-street and buying those special Christmas presents for the loved ones.