Economic information that works for you SurveysRetailManufacturingBuilding & ConstructionOther ServicesInflation Expectations BER Retail Survey (Archive) A brisk quarterly report on the results, as well as implications, of the latest BER survey in the trade sectors. Released in advance of official indicators of activity, it provides reliable and up-to-date information on current trends and a valuable perspective on the outlook for the sector.The BER’s Trade Survey covers the retail, wholesale and motor trade sectors. Apart from business confidence, the survey data highlights current trends in business conditions, sales volumes and selling prices.A distinction is drawn between retailers in the durable, semi-durable and non-durable goods sectors. We distinguish between wholesalers in the consumer and non-consumer goods market. Motor trade results are separated between new and used vehicles.Regional perspectives are provided for three main provinces (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng).Click here for information on the survey method. 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 Retail Survey, 2021Q2 (Download sample) Last updated: Jul 6 2021 10:13AM Business confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported read moreBusiness confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported confidence. While the improvement in sentiment is no doubt encouraging, uncertainties remain with SA now in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2021Q2 Last updated: Jun 21 2021 10:09AM Business confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported read moreBusiness confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported confidence. While the improvement in sentiment is no doubt encouraging, uncertainties remain with SA now in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2021Q1 Last updated: Mar 23 2021 10:03AM As expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while read moreAs expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while wholesaler confidence remained largely unchanged despite a tough business environment and low sales volumes. Significant risks lie ahead for the trade sector with the prospect of a third wave in SA looming amid a very slow vaccine rollout. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector. Retail Survey, 2021Q1 (Download sample) Last updated: Mar 23 2021 10:58AM As expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while read moreAs expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while wholesaler confidence remained largely unchanged despite a tough business environment and low sales volumes. Significant risks lie ahead for the trade sector with the prospect of a third wave in SA looming amid a very slow vaccine rollout. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector.
BER Retail Survey (Archive) A brisk quarterly report on the results, as well as implications, of the latest BER survey in the trade sectors. Released in advance of official indicators of activity, it provides reliable and up-to-date information on current trends and a valuable perspective on the outlook for the sector.The BER’s Trade Survey covers the retail, wholesale and motor trade sectors. Apart from business confidence, the survey data highlights current trends in business conditions, sales volumes and selling prices.A distinction is drawn between retailers in the durable, semi-durable and non-durable goods sectors. We distinguish between wholesalers in the consumer and non-consumer goods market. Motor trade results are separated between new and used vehicles.Regional perspectives are provided for three main provinces (Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng).Click here for information on the survey method. 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 Retail Survey, 2021Q2 (Download sample) Last updated: Jul 6 2021 10:13AM Business confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported read moreBusiness confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported confidence. While the improvement in sentiment is no doubt encouraging, uncertainties remain with SA now in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2021Q2 Last updated: Jun 21 2021 10:09AM Business confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported read moreBusiness confidence surged across all trade sectors in the second quarter of 2021. Retailers, wholesalers and new vehicle traders were optimistic about improved trading conditions and higher sales volumes, which in turn boosted profitability and supported confidence. While the improvement in sentiment is no doubt encouraging, uncertainties remain with SA now in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2021Q1 Last updated: Mar 23 2021 10:03AM As expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while read moreAs expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while wholesaler confidence remained largely unchanged despite a tough business environment and low sales volumes. Significant risks lie ahead for the trade sector with the prospect of a third wave in SA looming amid a very slow vaccine rollout. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector. Retail Survey, 2021Q1 (Download sample) Last updated: Mar 23 2021 10:58AM As expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while read moreAs expected, the trade sector experienced another tough start to the new year. Much of the performance of the sector still largely reflects a COVID-19 narrative. In the first quarter of 2021, retailer and new vehicle trader confidence declined, while wholesaler confidence remained largely unchanged despite a tough business environment and low sales volumes. Significant risks lie ahead for the trade sector with the prospect of a third wave in SA looming amid a very slow vaccine rollout. Renewed lockdown restrictions to curb the spread of the virus will certainly harm the sector.