Consumer confidence improving, index shows

Date: 19th December 2008

Consumer confidence is steadily improving despite the poor economic situation, according to the latest statistics.

Market research organisation GFK NOP's index shows that levels of confidence rose to minus 33 this month, an increase of two points.

While it shows that confidence is still near all-time lows, this rise will possibly translate into improved sales of small retailers, including sole traders and limited companies.

Rachel Joy, a spokeswoman for GFK NOP, commented: "The consumer confidence index has improved again this month after the interest rate cut and the drop in petrol prices, but continues to hover at near lows."

She added that it remained to be seen whether or not the improvement shown in the index would be converted into increased purchasing activity on the high street through January.

In other news, the Shields Gazette recently reported that a Northumbria-based sole trader had found new sales success after leaving his shopping centre retail unit.