Comment: Sales sizzle in sweltering summer

21st Jul 2009 15:59

Conventional wisdom has it that hot weather is bad news for clothing shops but fashion retailer Next begged to differ on Tuesday when it said sales of summer clothing have benefited from much better weather than last year. The clothing chain said warm temperatures have improved sales at its High Street and edge of town stores by between 2% and 3%, enabling it to achieve sales ahead of the guidance given on 6 May. The announcement from Next suggests that Britons have found time in between burning pork products to a frazzle on the barbecue and popping down to the pub for refreshment to do a spot of shopping for new clothes.The news follows on from last Friday's announcement from department store group John Lewis which said sales in its fashion department last week rose 4% year on year. Warmer weather caused a run on Outdoor Living ranges, with sales up by almost a third on last year, the company added.Real ale brewer and pubs owner Fuller, Smith & Turner was another on Tuesday to attribute an improvement in sales to the exceptionally clement weather. The company announced a 2.9% improvement in like for like (LFL) sales in its managed pubs and hotels business in the 16 weeks to 18 July."As the sun has shone, our customers have defied the economic gloom to come and enjoy our outstanding cask conditioned ales, delicious food, great wines and exemplary service," said Michael Turner, chairman of the 164-year old brewer.The onset of barbecue season has helped sausages and pork products supplier Cranswick make a positive start to its new financial year, with sales in the first quarter, excluding recently disposed of and acquired businesses, rising 11% to £167m from the first quarter of last year. Growth has been particularly strong in the sausages and bacon parts of the business, the company said. The warm weather is also expected to give a shot in the arm to UK holiday companies. The sector has already been in upbeat mood thanks to the weakness of sterling making overseas holidays more expensive. Earlier this year the Camping and Caravanning Club reported a record 53,000 new members in 2008, and said 2009 bookings are up 15% on 2008 levels. The rival Caravan Club said it was doing even better, with bookings up 40% year-on-year.Short break specialist Holidaybreak, meanwhile, could hardly have timed its return to offering holidays Britain any better. The company's Eurocamp brand is offering camping holidays in the UK for the first time since the mid-nineties.