Non-food Stores and Online Sales Show Mixed Results Amidst Pandemic Recovery

  • Retail sales volumes fell by 0.3% in February 2022
  • Non-store retailing sales volumes fell by 4.8%
  • Food store sales volumes fell by 0.2%
  • Non-food stores sales volumes rose by 0.6%
  • Automotive fuel sales volumes rose by 3.6%
  • Online retail proportion fell to 27.8% in February 2022

According to the latest figures from ONS, retail sales volumes fell by 0.3% in February 2022 following a rise of 1.9% in January 2022. Non-store retailing sales volumes dropped by 4.8%, while food store sales volumes decreased by 0.2%. However, non-food stores sales volumes increased by 0.6% due to growth in clothing and department stores. Automotive fuel sales volumes rose by 3.6% as the lifting of restrictions led to more travel. Online retail proportion fell to its lowest since March 2020 at 27.8%. Sales remain 3.7% above pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) February 2020 levels.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about retail sales volumes, including specific percentages and comparisons to pre-coronavirus levels. It also discusses potential factors influencing the changes in sales volumes and mentions a decrease in online shopping.
Noise Level: 4
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information on retail sales volumes and their changes over time, including specific categories such as food stores, non-food stores, and online sales. It also mentions potential factors influencing these changes like weather and the lifting of restrictions. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or contextualization of these trends within a broader economic or consumer behavior framework.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail and related companies
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses changes in retail sales volumes, which can impact the financial performance of retail companies and may affect their stock prices, as well as the overall economy.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, but it discusses a slight decrease in retail sales volumes and changes in various sectors.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk