Stationary, Accessories Lead Growth Amid Athleisure Trend

  • UK back to school market expected to reach £1.7bn in 2019
  • Growth of 1.5% forecasted for the market
  • Stationary and school accessories fastest-growing categories at 2.0% and 1.9% respectively
  • School accessories to grow more than last year due to concern over single-use plastics
  • Uniform and sportswear make up 76.4% of spending, predicted to rise by 1.5%
  • Amazon Prime Day encourages earlier shopping and impulse purchases
  • Retailers should offer discounts on accessories and stationery towards end of school holidays

The UK back-to-school market is projected to reach a staggering £1.7 billion this year, with stationery and school accessories leading the growth at 2.0% and 1.9%, respectively. Concerns over single-use plastics are driving purchases of lunch boxes and water bottles, while uniform and sportswear account for 76.4% of spending, predicted to rise by 1.5%. Amazon Prime Day promotes early shopping and impulse buys. Retailers should offer discounts on accessories and stationery towards the end of summer holidays.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides relevant information about the back-to-school market, including forecasted spending, growth categories, and insights from a retail analyst. It also mentions specific factors influencing consumer behavior such as concerns over single-use plastics and the impact of Amazon Prime Day. However, it lacks citations or sources for the data and opinions provided by the analyst.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about back-to-school spending trends and offers some insights for retailers. However, it lacks a comprehensive analysis of long-term trends or possibilities, does not hold powerful people accountable, and does not explore the consequences of decisions on those who bear the risks.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Retail industry in the UK
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses spending trends and forecasts for back to school items, which impacts retailers and companies selling such products. It also mentions Amazon Prime Day’s influence on consumer behavior, affecting sales and marketing strategies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the text

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk