Retailer confidence high in September - commercial mortgages

01 November 2006

Retailers, including investors with commercial mortgages, were at their most confident level for two years in September, according to new research.

A study published by CB Richard Ellis reveals that although the volume of sales fell in all sectors, other than groceries, during August and September, annual sales growth increased by 3.2 per cent for the year, icnetwork reports.

CB Richard Ellis said: "Retailers reported improvements in business activity over the previous three months and expected sales and orders placed with suppliers to increase over the next three months."

However, the recent report by the Confederation of British Industry reported that 42 per cent of retailers recorded a fall in the volume of sales compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the monthly commercial property index published by CB Richard Ellis shows that returns from retail property stood at one per cent during the last month.