Swedish retailers are more optimistic about future trading opportunities, the latest retail barometer from Svensk Handel, the group that represents Sweden's retail sector has found.
The 'Framtidsindikator' ('future indicator') for the retail sector, which encompasses anticipated sales, employment and profitability opportunities, currently stands at 100.9, an increase of 3.2 units compared to the previous month.
"The grocery trade continues to outperform the overall retail business," said Karin Johansson, chief executive of Swedish Trade. "An important explanation is that grocery shopping has been digitised to a certain extent. Home electronics, sports and fashion stores are exposed to fierce international competition that has not yet reached the grocery trade."
Online Optimism
Optimism is higher among e-commerce retailers, Svensk Handel found, with the future indicator increasing 10.2 units to 116.5.
While sales and employment are viewed positively by those in the e-commerce sector, profitability expectations are still muted in this segment.
"Growth in e-commerce is strong and the stores feel optimistic for the autumn," commented Johansson. "However, achieving profitability online is a major concern for many stores. International players, pressed prices and delicate margins mean that competition is tough."
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
