ANALYST VIEWS: HOW HAVE STORES FARED DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON?
SAM HART | CHARLES STANLEY
“I think the overall performance of retailers has been impressive and a lot more resilient than expected. Halfords and DSG were slightly disappointing but the picture is a lot better than expected. I think one reason is that unemployment has not gone up to the levels anticipated.”
JONATHAN PRITCHARD | ORIEL SECURITIES
“The figures are generally positive and most of the companies have been upgraded on the back of them. However, the environment in the retail
sector remains uncertain going into the remainder of the year.”
KEITH BOWMAN | HARGREAVES LANSDOWN
“These figures are generally on the upside of what we expected. However, the trading statements have almost all been issued with words of caution for the future. We do not know who will be in government at the end of next year and if there will be a hung Parliament.”