Consumer confidence has risen in the two weeks since non-essential shops reopened despite ongoing disruption due to the pandemic.
Consumer confidence climbed three points overall over the last fortnight to -27, according to the GfK consumer confidence index.
Shopper sentiment around the economy over the next 12 months registered the biggest uplift of six points to -42 compared to the previous month, though this was down nine points on the previous year.
Consumer confidence around personal finances over the coming year and the general economy over the last year both rose one point to -3 and -60 respectively.
Shopper sentiment over their personal finances over the last year rose four points to -5, just four points below the same time last year.
Shoppers’ inclination to make significant purchases rose seven points to -25.
GfK strategy director Joe Staton said: “Despite the backdrop of dire warnings about the state of the economy, large-scale job losses, the end of furlough with the prospect of further unemployment and a possible second wave of Covid-19, consumers appear to be slightly more confident as lockdown loosens across parts of the UK.
“After the recent near-historic low of -36 for the Consumer Confidence Barometer last month, we‘re seeing some early signs of improvement across most measures… even though all our core scores remain negative. The seven-point jump in the major purchase index could bode well for ‘reopening day’ this Saturday as more shoppers hit the high streets after a trip to the pub and visit to the hairdresser. However, economic headwinds could easily blow any recovery off-course with confidence remaining fragile and volatile amid few signs of stability.”
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