23 - 29 December 1999

48% of shops report increased sales

by Anthony Manduca

A survey carried out by the GRTU among retail outlets has shown that 48 per cent of those surveyed reported increased sales compared to last year. Thirteen per cent of those surveyed said their sales were the same as last year while 39 per cent said that they had witnessed less sales compared to last year. The survey was based on the replies received from a sample of 227 GRTU members with businesses situated in Valletta, Hamrun, Sliema, Paola, Fgura, Zabbar, Qormi, Mosta and Birkirkara. The retail outlets questioned sold household goods, wines and spirits, furnishings, giftware, toys, electronics, stationers, footwear, clothing, computers, jewellery, music and perfumes.

About half of the shops who reported increased sales said the increase was between 10-40 per cent while the other half said the increased sales were less than 10 per cent. About half the retail outlets who reported less sales compared to last year said the decrease was between 10-40 per cent and the other half said the decrease was less than 10 per cent.

Questioned about whether they had launched any special offer during the festive season, 57 per cent replied that they had, while 43 per cent replied in the negative. Only half those who had given a special offer said that it had a positive effect on sales.

Asked about their expectations for this festive season, 27 per cent replied that they had positive expectations, 37 per cent replied that they had negative expectations while 36 per cent said they expected this season to be the same as last year.