Two weeks into January, the UK retail sector has yet to deliver results poor enough to match its pre-Christmas gloom. But there is still plenty of evidence to suggest that many wary consumers are demanding margin-shredding discounts before they will open their wallets.
Of the major food retailers, all except Asda have now updated the market on festive trading, while many of the big names in general retail have also issued statements.
Still to come this week is Primark, with Dixons Carphone and WHSmith following towards the end of the month. Superdry and online retailer Asos, which warned on profits in December, will update in February. Yet a picture is already emerging of the main themes determining the health of the sector.
