Consumers’ confidence about their level of disposable income is at its highest since the Deloitte Consumer Tracker began in Q3 2011.
Confidence rises for third consecutive quarter
While sentiment still has some way to go before reaching positive figures, consumer confidence in disposable income has risen for the third consecutive quarter, up from -33% in Q3 2012 to -25% in Q3 2013, and has improved from the depths of -43% in Q3 2011. Consumers are more positive about job opportunities and job security, and feeling less pressure on the cost of essentials.
Spending on holidays up
A likely consequence of growing confidence is the continuing trends towards consumers increasing their discretionary spend. Over the past two years, net spending on holidays has improved by 11 points from -15% (Q3 2011) to -4% (Q3 2013). Similarly, during that time, net spending on short breaks and eating out rose by 12 points from -25% to -13%.
Graham Pickett, head of travel, hospitality and leisure at Deloitte, said: “Whilst eager to book their holidays, consumers are still looking for ways to cap their spending amidst concern over the risk of default amongst tour operators. This is driving them to favour the bigger brands, as evidenced by the success of the packaged travel operators, and particularly those offering all inclusive holidays. In short, consumers continue to be attracted to deals that offer certainty and value for money.”
Caution remains
Jon Lake, a corporate finance director in the licensed retail group at Deloitte, added: “The sustained warm weather throughout the summer resulted in a mixed performance for pub, bar and restaurant operators. Those with outdoor space reaped the benefits as consumers sought to soak up the sun, whilst those without such facilities saw a more mixed performance. In addition, year-on-year comparisons may be somewhat misleading as the Olympic effect from last summer’s Games in London also distorts a true like-for-like analysis.”
Pickett added: “Consumers are increasingly positive about their disposable income, but they remain cautious about the long-term outlook. They are far from being frivolous with their cash, as the level of real incomes continues to fall.
“This situation has been reflected in business where the latest Deloitte CFO Survey showed UK plc turning towards expansion and growth. Business willingness to invest in the travel, hospitality and leisure sectors is slowly emerging. However, the sentiment remains restrained with M&A activity focusing on less risky deals that have been in the pipeline for some time.”
About The Deloitte Consumer Tracker
The Deloitte Consumer Tracker is an economic update focussed on consumer spending attitudes and behaviours. Through a quarterly survey of 3,000 adult UK consumers it monitors the patterns of consumer expenditure on a category-by-category basis and the underlying drivers of spending behaviour, notably household disposable income and consumer confidence. It also considers consumers’ spending outlook for the next quarter.
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