BER Retail Survey
Last updated: Sep 20 2021 8:44AM
Retailer confidence increased marginally by 2 index points to reach a 7-year high of 56 in the third quarter of 2021 – up from 54 in the second quarter. At this level, sentiment is essentially above its long-term average of 39. While this is certainly a
read moreRetailer confidence increased marginally by 2 index points to reach a 7-year high of 56 in the third quarter of 2021 – up from 54 in the second quarter. At this level, sentiment is essentially above its long-term average of 39. While this is certainly a positive development, especially in the aftermath of violent protests and stricter trade restrictions amid a third wave of infections, this confidence was unfortunately not broad-based. Confidence was largely driven by non-durable goods (food and beverages) and hardware retailers on the back of improved sales volumes in these categories. Despite this improvement in sentiment, retailers faced a tough operating environment overall.
Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2021Q3
Last updated: Sep 20 2021 8:46AM
Retailer confidence increased marginally by 2 index points to reach a 7-year high of 56 in the third quarter of 2021 – up from 54 in the second quarter. At this level, sentiment is essentially above its long-term average of 39. While this is certainly a
read moreRetailer confidence increased marginally by 2 index points to reach a 7-year high of 56 in the third quarter of 2021 – up from 54 in the second quarter. At this level, sentiment is essentially above its long-term average of 39. While this is certainly a positive development, especially in the aftermath of violent protests and stricter trade restrictions amid a third wave of infections, this confidence was unfortunately not broad-based. Confidence was largely driven by non-durable goods (food and beverages) and hardware retailers on the back of improved sales volumes in these categories. Despite this improvement in sentiment, retailers faced a tough operating environment overall.
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.
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.
Last updated: Dec 3 2020 7:52AM
The overall BER Trade survey results were quite positive in the fourth quarter. Major improvements can be seen across all trade categories, with retailer, wholesaler and new vehicle dealer confidence all increasing remarkably on the back of improved operating
read moreThe overall BER Trade survey results were quite positive in the fourth quarter. Major improvements can be seen across all trade categories, with retailer, wholesaler and new vehicle dealer confidence all increasing remarkably on the back of improved operating conditions, a noteworthy uptick in sales volumes and an overall improvement in profitability. But, despite massive gains in sentiment, questions remain about whether the sector can sustain this momentum amid the significant headwinds that lie ahead. The Trade Survey report 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.
Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2020Q4
Last updated: Dec 3 2020 7:53AM
The overall BER Trade survey results were quite positive in the fourth quarter. Major improvements can be seen across all trade categories, with retailer, wholesaler and new vehicle dealer confidence all increasing remarkably on the back of improved operating
read moreThe overall BER Trade survey results were quite positive in the fourth quarter. Major improvements can be seen across all trade categories, with retailer, wholesaler and new vehicle dealer confidence all increasing remarkably on the back of improved operating conditions, a noteworthy uptick in sales volumes and an overall improvement in profitability. But, despite massive gains in sentiment, questions remain about whether the sector can sustain this momentum amid the significant headwinds that lie ahead.
Last updated: Sep 21 2020 8:20AM
The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions narrative continued to find expression in the third quarter of 2020. While retail, wholesale and motor dealer confidence edged up in Q3, trading conditions remain tough for the sector given weak sales volumes and a bleak
read moreThe COVID-19 lockdown restrictions narrative continued to find expression in the third quarter of 2020. While retail, wholesale and motor dealer confidence edged up in Q3, trading conditions remain tough for the sector given weak sales volumes and a bleak macroeconomic environment. The Trade Survey report 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.
Retail Survey (Executive Summary), 2020Q3
Last updated: Sep 21 2020 8:21AM
The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions narrative continued to find expression in the third quarter of 2020. While retail, wholesale and motor dealer confidence edged up in Q3, trading conditions remain tough for the sector given weak sales volumes and a bleak
read moreThe COVID-19 lockdown restrictions narrative continued to find expression in the third quarter of 2020. While retail, wholesale and motor dealer confidence edged up in Q3, trading conditions remain tough for the sector given weak sales volumes and a bleak macroeconomic environment. The Trade Survey report 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.