UK Optics News - May 2012

Retail Overview     Dear Ms. Voisdie,     The 1st quarter of 2011 was showing signs of economic slowdown; the 3rd and 4th quarters confirmed them, and as of the 1st quarter of 2012, we are officially back in recession. The average British customer is struggling, we are now in a double dip recession, inflation is rising, unemployment is at its highest level since 1995, and the oil price is increasing. All those are pushing the consumer confidence down (-31), but how has the UK Optics industry fared within the current financial climate? Well, in the contrary of most markets in the current climate, the Optics market is up year on year. All segments are recording a growth for the 1st quarter of 2012, Frames, Contact Lenses, Care Products and Sunglasses are all starting 2012 with good resolution. Stephan Lamouroux Account Director- Optics GfK Retail and Technology UK Want up to date global market information on your market? Then sign up to GfK Retail and Technology News alerts now!       Opticians see growth in flat retail environment     The latest figures released for April by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show UK retail sales growth at its lowest level since January 2010, with value sales up by just 0.4% and volume sales down by -1.1%. These figures help reaffirm the fact that growth remains sluggish in the economy, with cautious consumers less and less willing to make significant purchases and preferring to make savings where possible, while uncertainty around the wider economy persists.  more...       Contact  |  Unsubscribe  |  GfK Retail and Technology UK Copyright © 2012 GfK Retail and Technology UK   Published by GfK Retail and Technology UK, Sheer House, Station Approach, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14. Managing Director GfK UK: Ian McCann GfK Retail and Technology UK, Editor in Chief: Ami Brooks, Sheer House, Station Approach, West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6NL, Tel. +44 (0) 870 603 8247, Fax +44 (0) 870 603 8200, ami.brooks@gfk.com Reproduction or any other form of duplication only with the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Newsletter powered by GfK SE Integrated Software Services.