Retailers report strong finish to 2011

The trade body that represents more than 7,500 independent retailers will report a strong finish to 2011 on Tuesday. The British Independent Retailers Association says a survey found 56% of its members had higher sales in the final quarter, the highest for four years. It was also the first quarter since spring 2010 when more shops enjoyed higher sales than suffered decreases. The average rise was 1.6% but followed more than a year of falls. The strongest performing area was the Midlands where retailers said sales were up 7.9%. Independents fared worst in Scotland – where sales fell 8.3%.