Following a period of instability within the UK, the latest SDEA survey reveals a surprisingly large percentage of members are enjoying an increase in sales, which looks set to continue for the year ahead.
An encouraging 64percent of respondents reported an increase in sales over the past six months and of those the average was of a 17 percent rise. Less than half this number, 28percent, recorded an average decline in sales of 19 percent and only 8percent of members' sales remained unchanged.
When members were asked to compare sales during the past six months with the same period in the previous year, a substantial 48percent recorded an increase in sales with 18 percent being the average sales increase.
Looking ahead, a positive outlook was recorded within membership; when asked to forecast sales' prospects over the next six months, the majority expect to see a rise, with 52 percentanticipating a sales increase by an average of 13 percent and a further 40 percent forecasting sales to remain the same, with only eight percent expecting a decline in sales.
SDEA Director, Antony Behielscommented: "It is encouraging to see that many members' sales have increased, with this set to continue over the next six months. Despite a rise in supplier prices, which has been well reported since the devaluation of Sterling and Brexit, the industry remains relatively buoyant. Of the 76 percent of members that recorded a supplier price increase, averaging a five percent hike, over half are not looking to pass this on to their customers – testimony to the strength of the retail display industry".
Gain super powers at FESPA!