The Retail Industry: Statistics and Policy

The retail industry: statistics and policy

Standard Note: Last updated: Author: Section: SN/EP/06186 4 June 2014 Chris Rhodes Economic Policy and Statistics

Wholesale and retail trade contributed 16% of economic output and 16% of employment in the UK in 2012. The retail industry is subject to a number of pressures. These include changes in shopping habits and the recent economic downturn which reduced consumer spending. This note sets out the key statistics on the retail industry in the UK including the value and volume of sales, the proportion of internet sales, and employment and business statistics for the retail industry. It also sets out Government policy aimed at supporting the industry. The Portas Review of the High Street was published in December 2011 and made a number of recommendations across a range of policy areas including planning, transport, and local government finance. In February 2012 the Government announced a competition for areas to be “Portas Pilots” to test some of the recommendations. 27 towns were chosen act as Portas Pilots.

This information is provided to Members of Parliament in support of their parliamentary duties and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual. It should not be relied upon as being up to date; the law or policies may have changed since it was last updated; and it should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice or as a substitute for it. A suitably qualified professional should be consulted if specific advice or information is required. This information is provided subject to our general terms and conditions which are available online or may be provided on request in hard copy. Authors are available to discuss the content of this briefing with Members and their staff, but not with the general public.

Contents

1 2 Retail in the UK Contribution to the economy 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 3 Economic output Employment Enterprises Wholesale and retail sector 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 6...