Consumer confidence falters but pubs and restaurants perform well

Consumer confidence hit its lowest level in October, but pubs and restaurants stayed strong.

Non-essential expenditure, meanwhile, demonstrated a reasonable increase of 4.1%, powered by strong performances from pubs (11.7%) and restaurants (8.6%).

One fifth (19%) said their wages have gone up enough for them to have a little more money to spend each month, yet Brits remain cautious with their money. Of those with more money to spend following a pay rise, half (49%) are saving their extra money or paying off debt, and a third (36%) are currently putting it towards Christmas.

Esme Harwood, director at Barclaycard, said: “While the retail sector has continued to face challenges, the experience economy provided a welcome boost to overall spending in October with consumers going for meals out and purchasing tickets to events and shows.

“Ongoing economic and political uncertainty has led to a decline in confidence, with consumers remaining cautious with their spend in the run-up to Christmas.”

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