Summer sales spike
Two-thirds (66%) of UK SME retailers expect to see an increase in sales this summer, according to our latest study.
On average, retailers are expecting a sales increase of almost a third (28%) over the summer months. Warmer weather (48%), bank holidays (46%) and the summer wedding season (35%) are the main reasons for this expected spike.
65% of UK SME retailers run their business differently throughout the year to make the most of seasonal demand. 60% have to specifically amend their product offering and stocks to prepare for summer orders.
Popular products
More than two-thirds (68%) of UK SME retailers typically sell more summer clothes than winter clothes each year. Over half (53%) of retailers also agree that when the weather is warmer they see a sudden spike in sales.
This summer, retailers expect to see a spike in sales for items including: summer accessories (31%) clothes (31%), beach accessories (25%) and sportswear (16%). When it comes to summer weddings, the products that are expected to see the largest increase in sales in summer 2019 are dresses (51%), brightly coloured clothes (47%) and sunglasses (42%).
The main reasons retailers sell more clothes during the summer months are that customers want to wear clothes suitable and comfortable for the warmer weather (75%), customers want to follow the latest fashion trends (59%) and they are influenced by what celebrities have been wearing (45%).
Selling overseas
Almost three-quarters (71%) of the retailers surveyed currently sell to overseas customers. These retailers sell the most to Europe (63%) and the US (25%).
More than four in ten (41%) retailers surveyed both import and export goods with 20% solely exporting and 17% solely importing. 39% of retailers expect to see an increase in overseas sales this summer. The main reasons for this are warmer weather (16%), holiday season (12%) and customers preparing for increased demand in the summer (12%).
It’s really promising to see that many UK SME retailers are expecting an increase in sales this summer. By selecting high quality services from Royal Mail, whatever the weather, retailers can set themselves up for success.’
