The latest survey by the Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) reveals two-thirds (66%) of its members saw an increase in sales for the final six months of 2021 compared with the same period of 2020 - the average increase in sales being an encouraging 29%. Half the membership said they expected their sales to rise by an average of 17% over the first half of 2022.
In light of this sales increase a substantial section of the respondents had also increased their staff levels - 33% reported increasing their staff levels during the previous six months and 50% expect to employ extra staff in the coming six months. This positive outlook has been despite price increases - 91% of members experienced increased supplier prices over the past six months with a 19% average rise. A further 73% expected supplier prices to rise over the next six months by a projected 11% average.
SDEA director, Antony Behiels said: “It is extremely encouraging to see SDEA members’ sales continue to rise. From our survey responses the industry remains buoyant despite the volatile worldwide economy with the first half of 2022 looking healthy. However, it is evident that suppliers’ price inflation continues to impact members at an even greater scale than in recent years.”