IMP Examines How Retail Sales Signals Tough Christmas Ahead For High Streets.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/dec/15/uk-retail-sales-tough-christmas

IMP is a successful outsource sales and marketing company based in Lisbon  and they are ‘shocked’ at recent research that shows retail sales volumes fell 0.4% in November. However there has been a rapid increase in online sales. The Director of IMP comments saying, ‘consumers are moving with the times and moving to a more convenient way to shop. On-line shopping for the busy professional is ideal as it cuts out the crowds, queues and stress of shopping on the high streets.’

Britain's shoppers trimmed their spending on electronics and jewellery last month, as retail sales slipped by 0.4%. Many retailers rely on this time of year where spending should be at its peak. Due to the fact that more customers prefer the on-line experience it is imperative that retailors have an on-line presence. IMP conducts their business face-to-face and for the industries they represent it’s the best way to increase the market share for their clients. ‘This way our clients potential customers are reached directly and they don’t have to wait for customers to come to them,’ continues the MD of IMP.

Howard Archer, of consultancy IHS Global Insight, said the figures revealed it was "not a very merry start to the Christmas season for retailers".He added: "It is the Christmas period that is particularly vital for most retailers and the 0.4% drop in sales volumes in November indicates that they are having their work cut out to get pressurised and worried consumers to spend."

The ONS figures also tracked the rapid increase in online shopping, as consumers increasingly turn to the internet to buy everything from groceries to Christmas gifts.The ONS said the picture across different sectors was mixed, with clothes stores and DIY retailers reporting sales up on the same month last year, while sales of computers and telecoms, toys, watches and jewellery, rugs and carpets all declined. There are certain products that there will always be in demand. IMP represent clients product and services that will always be in demand which has shown IMP to be recession proof. The Managing Director of IMP expresses his excitement saying, ‘2011 has been a successful year for IMP and 2012 will be even bigger. What contributes to our success, unlike so many other businesses, is that our success is not seasonal.’