Consumer sentiment trended higher in 2014. Part of the focus for a consumer-led recovery has come from the housing market, and more recently, a boost to household real incomes from (temporarily) weak consumer price pressures. Falling energy costs and supermarket "price wars" are particularly relevant.
The Economist Intelligence Unit is cautiously upbeat about the medium-term outlook for the retail and consumer goods sectors. Employment growth and improving credit availability will support sales growth. In addition, year-on-year house price inflation remains robust and real wages are now growing after a period of decline.
The online retailing market has developed strongly in recent years, outpacing growth in overall retail. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it accounted for some 11.3% of total retail sales in December 2014. Strong Internet sales growth has gone hand in hand with a steady decline in the number of UK high-street stores over recent years. This trend will persist over the forecast period.

Consumer goods and retail report 2

Overview 2

Retail 3

Food and drink 6

Non-food products 9

Industry publishing schedule 13

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