There are substantial stock volumes amongst shopkeepers in Wallonia and Brussels owing to poor sales. The Union des Classes Moyennes (UCM - which represents independent traders) is saying this today (Wednesday), having polled 349 shopkeepers.
The UCM says that the majority of shopkeepers (56%) have reported a decrease in turnover over the last six months, compared to only 21% who have seen an increase.
The combination of the Brussels attacks and also the gloomy spring weather have both affected shopkeepers’ results, as have the strikes which have swept across the country.
It naturally follows that stock volumes going into the summer sales now are more significant than normal for this time of year for half (or 50.7%) of the shopkeepers in these regions.
The majority of shopkeepers polled (53.3%) anticipate stable sales figures overall compared to last year. More of them are currently predicting a reduction (32.9%) than an increase (13.8%).
(Source: Belga)
