Executive Summary

• Fashion retailers have struggled with weak sales in the UK market in the last few months, and 2016 is shaping up to be the toughest year for UK apparel sales since 2009.
• We believe that the softness in the UK apparel market will continue in 2017, although growth next year will be against undemanding comparatives.
• The depreciation of the pound will increase sourcing costs in apparel. However, the UK market faces exceptionally strong competition, arising in large part from growth in capacity, and this will keep a lid on price increases.