This is a trade facing website. Visit the ACT's consumer site thecyclingexperts.co.uk for information and advice on cycling and find your local independent cycle retailer.

Search News

Results: 1-10 of 907


9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

Back to news menu

Shoppers predicted to spend £4.4bn less in the run-up to Christmas

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News , Creative News, Outdoor News

Xmas presentNew research has indicated that UK shoppers could spend £4.4bn less on essentials ahead of Christmas – a 22% drop as the rising cost of living impacts on disposable income.

The research by Retail Economics with retail technology firm Metapack, suggests nearly 60% of shoppers expect to cut spending on non-food items in the last three months of the year, the period during which most retailers make the most profit.
The forecast, if correct, would put additional pressure on retailers facing higher energy and labour bills, as well as rising commodity costs.

The company’s Holiday Shopping Trends Report found that British consumers are expected to cut back the most, with over 70% of customers expecting to reduce spending in some form.

Most consumers cited rising prices as a major concern, as UK inflation runs near 40-year highs at 9.9%.

---
Retail Finance is the perfect tool for retailers to lower the cost barrier for consumers, and remove the cost perceptions that hihger ticket items are out of budget. Read more: Are you maximising retail finance within your business?
---

This December, shoppers are expected to be nearly one-fifth fewer than before the pandemic, with numbers predicted to rise by just 4.2% from last year, when the Omicron threat kept many at home.

The shift to online shopping is also expected to slow as higher shipping and return costs for returned items lead to higher fees.

Retail Economics chief executive Richard Lim said: “Inflation will peak at just the wrong time for retailers. Buyers’ budgets are already under intense pressure as inflation in international markets hit a ten-year high. Consumers are worried, budgets are under pressure, and households are set to cut spending this year in an attempt to make ends meet.

“Amid weakening consumer demand, retailers are also facing a pincer move as costs and operating costs rise, which are testing business models to the breaking point. With profit margins under intense pressure, some retailers are planning to shift shipping and return costs to areas that encourage consumers to look for alternatives.”

Back to news menu

Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.