After a shocking decline of close to 18% in April, retail sales at physical stores have seen a rebound of 17% in May as stores opened up and restrictions were eased. Some retailers are reporting that the number of shoppers visiting stores, were not too dissimilar to December trading conditions. For the first time in a number of months online sales in May were in negative growth compared to April, yet online sales are still up 50% compared to April and May last year.
Customers returning to shop in physical stores are positive signs for all retailers, who have been weathering a very tough 2020, after a slow 2019. Let’s hope physical retailers take advantage of returning shoppers by providing an amazing in store experience they can’t get online. If not, it will push more customers to take advantage of the relative ease of buying online.
In another interview with Chris Ilsley from 6PR, Roger and Chris discuss these sales results and what physical retailers need to do to entice customers back into stores and keep them coming back.
