SDEA survey reflects a resilient retail display market

The Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) has issued a statement saying that in spite of the currently unstable economic climate within the UK ahead of Brexit, its latest membership survey shows confidence from within the retail display industry.

The new SDEA survey reveals 40% of members experienced an increase in sales within the first six months of this year compared with the same period the previous year - the average increase in sales being an encouraging 23%. An additional 25% of respondents further reported an increase in sales over the last six months, with the average increase being 13%. When asked to forecast their sales prospects over the following six month period a further 45% of retail display suppliers expected their sales to rise by an average of 7%. 45% reported increasing staff levels during the last six months and another 30% expect to employ extra staff in the coming six months. This positive outlook has been despite price increases - 82% of members experienced increased supplier prices over the past six months with a 7% average rise. A further 53% expected supplier prices to rise over the next six months with a 7% average rise once again. SDEA director, Antony Behiel, said: “It is extremely encouraging to see that members’ sales continue to rise. The industry remains relatively buoyant despite the volatile UK economy. The remainder of the year is also looking healthy, even though many members expect continued price increases from their suppliers.”