UK shoppers cut spending by most since Covid lockdown in 2021

BRITISH shoppers facing a surge in inflation cut their spending in May by the most since the country was in a coronavirus lockdown in early 2021, according to a survey published on Tuesday (Jun 7).

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said total retail spending was 1.1 per cent lower than a year earlier, the biggest fall since January last year and representing an acceleration from April’s 0.3 per cent decline.

“It is clear the post-pandemic spending bubble has burst, with retailers facing tougher trading conditions, falling consumer confidence, and soaring inflation impacting consumers spending power,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said.

Furniture, electronics and other expensive goods were hit hardest but fashion and beauty sales rose as people prepared for holidays and the summer, Dickinson said.

The BRC said its ‘like-for-like’ retail sales measure, covering only outlets open in May 2021, showed a 1.5 per cent annual fall in spending after a 1.7 per cent contraction in April.

The figures are not adjusted for inflation - which hit 9 per cent in April - which means the fall in volumes of goods purchased will have been much greater than the drop in money spent.

Data from Barclaycard, covering a broader range of spending, showed spending in May was up 9.3 per cent from a year earlier, reflecting the rising cost of living and a bounce for travel and hospitality which were affected by restrictions last year.

Spending on essential items rose by 4.8 per cent, pushed up by a nearly 25 per cent leap for petrol and diesel which have soared in price. In response, consumers cut back on spending on digital content and subscriptions by nearly 6 per cent.

Echoing the BRC data, Barclaycard said spending on furniture fell by 3.1 per cent in May from April.

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Spending at restaurants and pubs and bars fell by about 6 per cent and 1 per cent respectively during the month.

“The cost-of-living squeeze is clearly influencing discretionary spending habits,” Jose Carvalho, head of consumer products at Barclaycard, said.

“Despite this, there are some encouraging signs, particularly in the travel industry as Brits’ appetite for going abroad continues to grow as we approach the summer holidays.”

Spending on travel almost tripled from May last year when many international restrictions were in place and travel agents reported a 24 per cent increase in May from April. REUTERS