An update on Christmas Sales report by FSP Retail Business Consultants.

1. Christmas Sales Report
16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

2. Comment
In our first Christmas commentary, we noted that consumer trust probably played a big part
this year in the fortunes of John Lewis et al. However, it’s not just longevity that cultivates
such trust, some of the well-known but comparatively more recent fascias on the high street
– such as Boux Avenue, Radley, Mountain Warehouse, Lush, The Fragrance Shop and
Joules - have posted some very positive like-for-likes, whilst those with much longer retailing
history, like M&S, Tesco, Morrisons and Mothercare have all foundered this Christmas.
Grocery, as a category, has fared worst, with the 7 retailers reporting like-for-likes not
averaging anything positive. Indeed, if it weren’t for the nation’s love of chocolate, the
category would be even more in the doldrums.
Clothing & Footwear is the best performing category, with all bar Mothercare reporting
positive like-for-likes.
Please see the individual categories for a comprehensive view of trading reported so far.
Please note, the like-for-like data in some categories remains limited until more retailers
report:
Clothing & Footwear
Personal
Food & Beverage*
Household
Leisure
Department Stores
Grocery
2011/12 2012/13 2013/14
12
8
10
9
5
4
2
8
3
12
7
5
5
6
5
8
5
6
7
16
7
2 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

3. All Retailers
3 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

4. Christmas Trading and
Administrations
It is still the case that FSP’s retailer database shows no retail casualties over the festive
period. Tie Rack, although not a Christmas casualty, finally reached the point of a CVA on
nd
January 2 with which the creditors are not happy.
The number of retailers recorded on SnapShop entering administration in each of the past
few years is:
2013 – 43
2012 – 44
2011 – 57
2010 – 42
2009 – 93
2008 – 56
4 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

5. 3 Year Comparison
Where retailers report a similar period (and for the same part of the group) year-on-year,
FSP compares the like-for-like trading each year. More retailers will be added in the next
report.
5 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

6. Merchandise Groups
Department Stores
Clothing & Footwear
6 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

7. Grocery
Household Goods
7 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

8. Personal Good
Food & Beverage
Leisure Goods
8 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

9. Online Sales
FSP Christmas Sales Report Methodology
FSP seeks to gain an accurate review of the Christmas period, hence the period end date
must be at least Christmas Eve and no later than the end of January; the period must be
13 weeks or less.
Online Sales are always shown as Total changes.
Graphs are ranked in order, highest to lowest, first by Like-for-Like change, then by Total
change
www.fspretail.com
FSP has gone to its best efforts to ensure this data is correct but the author reserves the right not to be responsible for the accuracy
of information provided.
9 FSP Christmas Sales Report – 16 January 2014
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

10. Heidi Roberts
Associate Director
Tanu Bajaj
Business Analyst
FSP RETAIL BUSINESS
CONSULTANTS
T +44(0)1494 474740
F +44(0)1494 474262
T +44(0)1494 474740
F +44(0)1494 474262
Heidi@fspretail.com
Tanu@fspretail.com
19 Manor Courtyard
Hughenhen Avenue
High Wycombe
UK, HP13 5RE
T +44(0)1494 474740
F +44(0)1494 474262
fspretail@fspretail.com
www.fspretail.com
www.snap-shop.co.uk