Royal Mail Strikes Contribute to In-Store Shopping Surge
- Retail sales volumes decreased by 1% in December 2022
- Sales volumes down 1.7% compared to pre-pandemic levels in February 2020
- Non-food store sales dropped 2.1% in December
- Food store sales fell 0.3% after rising in November
- Online sales decreased to 25.4% from 25.9%
- Royal Mail strikes led to more people shopping in stores
- Cost of living crisis causing consumers to spend less
December retail sales volumes fell by 1% compared to November, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales were down 1.7% compared to pre-pandemic levels in February 2020. Non-food store sales dropped 2.1%. Food store sales decreased 0.3% after rising in November. Online sales fell to 25.4%. Royal Mail strikes led to more people shopping in stores due to the cost of living crisis causing consumers to spend less.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information from a reliable source (ONS), presents data on retail sales volumes, and includes relevant quotes from experts. However, it could be improved by providing more context about the overall economic situation and including perspectives from other sources or experts to provide a more balanced view.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about retail sales volumes and reasons for the decline, but it could benefit from more analysis or context on the broader economic implications and potential long-term trends.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail sector
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a decline in retail sales volumes, which can impact companies within the retail industry and potentially affect their financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the text
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