CRR: Sunny weather will affect consumer confidence

Wednesday, April 14th 2010

If the sunny weather predicted for the summer actually occurs, it could spell good news for the UK's retail industry.

This is according to the Centre for Retail Research (CRR), which explained that a so-called barbecue summer would boost consumer confidence.

His comments follow figures from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG March 2010 Retail Sales Monitor, which was published yesterday (April 13th).

It found the total value of UK sales in March rose by 4.4 per cent since last year.

Joshua Bamfield, director for the CRR said: "I think the key impact on retail sales is the fact that the sun is shining, people are feeling a lot more confident, the world didn't end last year and so [people] will carry on shopping."

While some people have stated the general election could affect retail sales trends, Mr Bamfield explained it is hard to predict and demand might fall for certain products.

But this effect will be small when compared with the impact the better weather will have on people's confidence and state of mind, he added.