GFK RETAIL REPORTS: Q2, 2018

NON FOOD GROWING SLOWLY BUT STEADILY

It seems to be happening so fast, but we are already halfway through 2018. At the end of the first semester, let’s take a look at the Belgian results for the measured Non Food panels. Overall, the Q2 result is positive, but only just – with a growth of 0,4%. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be enough to push up the YTD value, which still shows a small decline of 0,7% compared to the first semester of 2017.

“WORLD CUP EFFECT” SURPASSES EXPECTED GROWTH RATE ON TELEVISIONS

With an absolute number of almost €200 Mio, the CE business managed to end this quarter with a growth rate of 5%!

STABLE GROWTH IN IT DUE TO PRICE EFFECTS

During the second quarter of 2018, the IT and Office Equipment market increased in value by almost +0.4%, for a total value of close to 454 Mio €. The average price of products purchased in the IT and Office Equipment sector increased by almost 9%.

WHITE GOODS MARKET TURNS BEARISH

A modest uptick of the market was recorded for the first quarter of the year, but in quarter two, both volume and value are down. The combined result of the first 2 quarters is a status quo in terms of growth versus the first half year of 2017. Some surprising conclusions were noted.

STABLE MARKET FOR SMALL DOMESTIC APPLIANCES

The second quarter of 2018 was quite negative for the main product groups within Kitchen Appliances: deep fryers (-7%) and hot beverage makers (-4%) both declined. Deep fryers are declining for a second time in a row in 2018. Can end-of-year sales boost this product group?

BELGIAN BOOK MARKET SUFFERS THE STEEPEST DECLINE IN YEARS

In Flanders, the regulated book price has been in force for exactly one year, but, for the time being, it is not bringing any relief.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SECTOR RECOVERS IN STRONG SECOND QUARTER

Following the 2.2% turnover decline in the first quarter, the Belgian Home Improvement sector seems to be picking up the pace. Results of the second quarter show a solid 4.1% turnover growth, which leads to a semi-annual growth rate of 1.4%. The gardening category in particular has made a swift recovery.