The findings of Progressive Gifts & Home’s unique Retail Barometer – the only annual survey into the independent gift retail sector – has revealed that business rates doubling this month, employer National Insurance rising, and the minimum wage increasing, are, unsurprisingly, their three biggest concerns for 2025, along with price increases and consumers reducing their spend.
Other worries highlighted by Retail Barometer respondents include the ongoing escalation in shoplifting; the rise of Temu and Shein; suppliers capping quantities of specific products; the increase in postage prices; the lack of interest in the high street that’s been demonstrated by the government; energy and water rates increases, and the rise in corporation tax.
Also a cause concern is the continuing escalation of garden centres. With numerous acquisitions on the garden centre front over the past 12 months, and more and more garden centres expanding their reach across gifts, home, clothing and greeting cards, 58% of those surveyed understandably view them as a threat or serious threat.
Further concerns include supermarkets’ continuing expansion on the home and gift front, with some 80% of indies surveyed continuing to see them as a threat or serious threat, up on last year’s figure of 77%.
In addition, a whopping 85% of gift indies taking part in the survey confirmed that they saw third party selling as a threat or serious threat, up 26% on last year.
Plus, over three quarters of respondents (77%) – more or less on a par with last year – also regard gift companies selling direct to consumers as an ongoing threat or serious threat.
For the full PG&H Retail Barometer findings, click through to pages 17-21 in the March/April issue of Progressive Gifts & Home magazine.
Top: PG&H’s unique, annual Retail Barometer continues to delve into the trials, tribulations and triumphs of independent gift retail.
