Economic information that works for you SurveysRetailManufacturingBuilding & ConstructionInflation ExpectationsMethod: Business and Consumer SurveysMethod: Inflation Expectations SurveyMethod: Financial Services 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 and expected trends in business conditions, sales and order volumes, purchasing and selling prices, profitability, employment and stock levels. 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 the four main provinces (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng). Click here for information on the survey method. 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 4 Last updated: Dec 7 2018 10:50AM According to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in read moreAccording to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in overall profitability. However, trading conditions remain tough with no meaningful pick-up expected over the festive season. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 4 (Download sample) Last updated: Dec 7 2018 10:51AM According to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in read moreAccording to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in overall profitability. However, trading conditions remain tough with no meaningful pick-up expected over the festive season. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 3 Last updated: Sep 21 2018 11:20AM According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the read moreAccording to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the numerous headwinds facing the consumer will limit any upside. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018H2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 3 (Text Only) (Download sample) Last updated: Sep 21 2018 11:20AM The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 read moreThe Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the numerous headwinds facing the consumer will limit any upside. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018H2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 3 (Download sample) Last updated: Sep 21 2018 11:19AM According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the read moreAccording to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the numerous headwinds facing the consumer will limit any upside. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018H2 than previously thought. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 2 Last updated: Jun 22 2018 5:08PM According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the read moreAccording to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the sector missed earlier expectations. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018Q2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 2 (Text Only) (Download sample) Last updated: Jun 22 2018 5:07PM The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering read more The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the sector missed earlier expectations. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018Q2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 2 (Download sample) Last updated: Jun 22 2018 5:06PM According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the read moreAccording to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the sector missed earlier expectations. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018Q2 than previously thought. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 1 Last updated: Mar 23 2018 12:51PM The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are read moreThe 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are optimistic that conditions might improve meaningfully going forward. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 1 (Text Only) (Download sample) Last updated: Mar 23 2018 12:50PM The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 read moreThe Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are optimistic that conditions might improve meaningfully going forward. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 1 (Download sample) Last updated: Mar 23 2018 12:50PM The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are read moreThe 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are optimistic that conditions might improve meaningfully going forward.
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 and expected trends in business conditions, sales and order volumes, purchasing and selling prices, profitability, employment and stock levels. 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 the four main provinces (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng). Click here for information on the survey method. 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 4 Last updated: Dec 7 2018 10:50AM According to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in read moreAccording to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in overall profitability. However, trading conditions remain tough with no meaningful pick-up expected over the festive season. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 4 (Download sample) Last updated: Dec 7 2018 10:51AM According to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in read moreAccording to the 2018Q4 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers improved somewhat following the significant deterioration recorded in the third quarter of 2018. Confidence was supported by higher sales volumes and a slight improvement in overall profitability. However, trading conditions remain tough with no meaningful pick-up expected over the festive season. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 3 Last updated: Sep 21 2018 11:20AM According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the read moreAccording to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the numerous headwinds facing the consumer will limit any upside. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018H2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 3 (Text Only) (Download sample) Last updated: Sep 21 2018 11:20AM The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 read moreThe Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the numerous headwinds facing the consumer will limit any upside. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018H2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 3 (Download sample) Last updated: Sep 21 2018 11:19AM According to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the read moreAccording to the 2018Q3 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers remained unchanged during 2018Q3 following the dip recorded in the second quarter. While survey participants are cautiously optimistic that conditions will improve in 2018Q4, the numerous headwinds facing the consumer will limit any upside. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018H2 than previously thought. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 2 Last updated: Jun 22 2018 5:08PM According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the read moreAccording to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the sector missed earlier expectations. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018Q2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 2 (Text Only) (Download sample) Last updated: Jun 22 2018 5:07PM The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering read more The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the sector missed earlier expectations. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018Q2 than previously thought. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 2 (Download sample) Last updated: Jun 22 2018 5:06PM According to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the read moreAccording to the 2018Q2 BER Retail Survey, business confidence among retailers fell back after recovering handsomely in 2018Q1. Current activity levels remain subdued, while survey participants have downgraded their outlook after the actual performance of the sector missed earlier expectations. In all, the results suggest that the trade sector remains under strain and could provide less of a boost to overall economic growth in 2018Q2 than previously thought. Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2018 - Quarter 1 Last updated: Mar 23 2018 12:51PM The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are read moreThe 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are optimistic that conditions might improve meaningfully going forward. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 1 (Text Only) (Download sample) Last updated: Mar 23 2018 12:50PM The Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 read moreThe Retail Survey (Text Only) document is a shorter version of the Retail Survey report and does not contain actual or historical survey data. The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are optimistic that conditions might improve meaningfully going forward. Retail Survey, 2018 - Quarter 1 (Download sample) Last updated: Mar 23 2018 12:50PM The 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are read moreThe 2018Q1 BER Retail Survey indicates that business confidence among retailers recovered handsomely in early-2018 after falling back in 2017Q4. While current activity levels remain relatively subdued, survey participants across the entire trade sector are optimistic that conditions might improve meaningfully going forward.