SME retail sales fell again in September, with a decline of 4.2% year-on-year and 2% compared to August. Consumption continues to decline due to lack of credit and divided expectations about the evolution of the economy.
The SME retail sales In September they registered an interannual variation of -4.2% at constant prices, while, in the seasonally adjusted monthly comparison, the variation was -2%. So far this year, they have accumulated a year-on-year increase of 5%.
In relation to the economic situation of the businesses, 55% indicated that it remained the same as last year. However, 38% noticed a worsening, three percentage points above August, which was reflected in the reduction in the percentage of merchants who perceived an improvement (7.2%).
Regarding expectations, 47.6% foresee an improvement for next year, 41.5% consider that the situation will remain unchanged, and 10.8% anticipate that it will be worse. Finally, regarding the possibility of investing, 60.1% consider that it is not a good time, 12% are, and 27.8% did not respond or do not have a defined opinion.
68eb1b982b380_706x353
SME retail sales: how each area fared
In the analysis by items, the situation was homogeneous, with year-on-year falls in all sectors. The most affected were Textile and clothing (-10.9%) and Bazaar, decoration, home textiles and furniture (-6.2%). In the month-on-month comparison, the trend was similar, except in Perfumerywhich registered a growth of 1.4% compared to the previous month, and in Hardware, electrical and construction materialswhich maintained the same sales levels.
In summary, September closed with a general decline in SME retail sales, reflecting the fragility of domestic consumption and the impact of economic and political uncertainty. Although all items showed year-on-year falls, Perfumery achieved a slight monthly rebound in contrast to the declines in Textile and clothing and Bazaar and decorationthe most affected. The loss of purchasing power, household debt and the lack of commercial stimuli conditioned demand, in a scenario where prudence and the expectation of stability predominate in the final months of the year.
68eb1b98387ec_706x397
Source: Ambito
