Posts by Rhian Murphy

Wrapping up ‘Black Friday’: How the ONS captures the effect of a major shopping trend

Categories: ONS

It’s an American import that in just a few years has changed our traditional shopping habits in the pre-Christmas period. Now it looks like ‘Black Friday’ is here to stay.  Rhian Murphy explains how the ONS takes account of the impact of ‘Black Friday’ when compiling the UK’s most comprehensive and influential retail statistics.

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Shopping Around for Retail Data? How ONS keeps tabs on a fast-changing sector

Categories: Economy, Office for National Statistics, ONS

Evolving shopping habits are keeping UK retailers on their toes, forcing many to adapt to survive.  The rise of online sales and the disappearance of some big names from UK high streets have also challenged ONS to maintain the accuracy and relevance of the Retail Sales Index.  As Rhian Murphy explains,  the breadth of its coverage means the RSI remains a leading indicator – not just of retailing but of the economy as a whole.

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