Retail in the United Kingdom

April 2025
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Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in United Kingdom with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retail industry in United Kingdom, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retail in United Kingdom report includes:

  • Analysis of key retail trends
  • Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
  • Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
  • Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retail in United Kingdom?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retail in United Kingdom?
  • How are products distributed in Retail in United Kingdom?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in United Kingdom?
  • To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?​
  • What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar? 
  • How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?​
  • What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?​
  • What is the future of retail?

Retail in the United Kingdom

Retail in 2024: The big picture
Value-driven shopping continues to reshape UK retail landscape
Retail e-commerce thrives on convenience and competitive pricing
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
Seasonality
Valentine’s Day
International Women’s Day
Easter
Back-to-school
Black Friday
Christmas
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029

DISCLAIMER

Summary 2 Research Sources

Convenience Retailers in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Convenience retailers benefits from consumer demand for proximity and quick shopping trips
Convenience stores responds to inflation with private label growth and promotions
Growth of forecourt retailers boosted by food-to-go and fuel-efficient shopping
Demand for quick and easy shopping will sustain growth of convenience retailers
Expansion and format innovation set to drive competitiveness of forecourt retailers
Private label and loyalty programmes anticipated to strengthen consumer retention
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Supermarkets in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Stagnant growth for supermarkets as inflation and shifting consumer behaviour challenge the channel
Competitive pressures lead to major strategic shifts among leading supermarket chains
Supermarkets chains enhance value proposition through loyalty schemes and pricing strategies
Supermarkets set to face ongoing competition from discounters and convenience retailers
Major players to focus on store network optimisation and digital transformation
Sustainability and ethical sourcing to remain key priorities for future performance
Table 65 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 66 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 67 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 68 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 69 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 70 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 71 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Hypermarkets in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Hypermarkets faces growth challenges amid changing consumer shopping habits and economic pressures
Leading players adapt, but market pressure increases
Investment in digitalisation and sustainability to improve competitiveness
Declines for hypermarkets over forecast period as consumers continue to favour convenience stores and discounters
Strategic expansion and digital integration anticipated to drive competitiveness
Private label and value-driven strategies expected to support positioning of hypermarkets
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Discounters in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Discounters maintains double-digit growth, outperforming traditional grocery retailers
Lidl and Aldi maintain strong positive growth trajectory
Lidl’s commitment to British agriculture and food fuels growth for the discounter
Discounters set to maintain strong growth over forecast period, driven by persistent cost-conscious purchasing decisions
Aldi and Lidl to remain focused on expanding store networks to drive future growth
Lidl commits to maintaining “market leading prices” despite significant inflationary pressures
Table 79 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 80 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 84 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 85 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Small Local Grocers in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Further decline for small local grocers amid changing consumer preferences
Competitive landscape reflects strain on independent operators
Community-centric initiatives and niche positioning offer some relief
Further decline expected amid competitive and economic pressures
Likely increase in health and wellness-focused strategies as a resilience strategy
Differentiated performance expected across small local grocers
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

General Merchandise Stores in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Marginal growth for department stores despite challenging times
Variety stores experiences modest recovery following 2023’s decline
Competitive landscape shaped by targeted investments and cost management
Weak performance ahead for department stores without strategic reinvention
Variety stores expected to maintain steady growth amid ongoing economic pressures
Opportunities likely to emerge through innovation and market adaptation
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Marginal growth for apparel and footwear specialists driven by consumer resilience
Notable developments among leading players to enhance in-store experiences
Strong growth of pure online brands Asos and Shein limit growth of apparel and footwear specialists
Apparel and footwear specialists set for marginal decline over forecast period
Specialists likely to further invest in the in-store experience
Sustainability initiatives likely to drive long-term differentiation
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Weak channel performance amid changing consumer behaviour
Store transformation and strategic initiatives of Currys aim to enhance consumer experience
Sales via mobile network operators outperform traditional appliances and electronics specialists
Projected decline for appliances and electronics specialists driven by growing retail e-commerce competition
The rise of smart technology and home automation expected to drive sales
Strategic product mix expected to be vital in maximising in-store sales
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Home Products Specialists in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Further sales decline for homewares and home furnishing stores
Pet shops and superstores maintains positive trajectory despite economic challenges
Mixed performances by leading home products specialists
Home improvement and gardening stores set to record stable growth over forecast period
Pet shops and superstores to continue on positive growth trajectory
Sustainability key to driving future growth of home products specialists
Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Health and Beauty Specialists in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Marginal growth for beauty specialists driven by selective spending and experiential shopping
Further growth for health and personal care stores driven by healthy living trend
Boots strengthens leadership through beauty expansion and enhanced healthcare services
Navigating a shifting market for beauty specialists
Health and personal care stores expected to record solid performance
Anticipated rise of value-oriented shopping across health and beauty specialists
Table 129 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 130 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 131 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 132 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 133 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 134 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 135 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 136 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 137 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Vending in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Changing consumer preferences helps drive vending’s strong growth in the UK
Costa Express maintains positive trajectory in 2024
Expansion of healthy vending options and technological innovation drive sales
Vending expected to record healthy growth over forecast period
Innovation and smart technology expected to fuel vending’s future growth
Health-conscious consumers will continue to push vending beyond traditional offer
Table 140 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 141 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 142 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 143 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 144 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 145 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Direct Selling in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Direct selling in the UK records another year of declining sales
Avon’s direct sales decline continues into 2024
Direct sellers continue to embrace social commerce as a way to achieve growth
Stagnation expected for direct selling in the UK over forecast period
Expanding beyond core categories a potential strategy to maintain relevance
Moving towards digital-first sales models can have a positive influence on direct selling’s performance
Table 146 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 149 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 150 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 151 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Retail E-Commerce in the United Kingdom

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Retail e-commerce maintains positive trajectory in 2024
Evolving competitive landscape of retail e-commerce in the UK
S-commerce growth fuels TikTok Shop Marketplace’s continued surge in 2024
Retail e-commerce set to remain on strong growth path over forecast period
The rise of s-commerce and m-commerce to further drive retail e-commerce growth
Conscious shopping and price-sensitivity likely to positively influence retail e-commerce over forecast period
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
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The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retail

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retail

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, and wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry). Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

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