Retailer opinion split over Brexit, IRX research reveals

More than 36% of retailers think that leaving the EU at the end of January will have mostly negative effects on their business over the next five years, according to research from IRX.

52 UK-based retail chains and online retailers were surveyed. 31.9% were expecting more negative than positive impacts and 4.3% anticipated strongly negative consequences. However, at the same time, over 25% thought Brexit would either be very beneficial (12.6%) or will bring more positive than negative results (12.8%). 38.3% believed that the balance would be neither positive nor negative.

Stuart Barker, Portfolio Director at IRX, says: “Now we know the UK is definitely withdrawing, retailers are directing their attention towards how to turn this change into an opportunity. Fortunately, the fundamental international nature of e-commerce means that the industry is well placed to thrive in the post-Brexit trading environment.”

Under the theme of ‘Growth and Cross-Border’, IRX, set to take place on 1st and 2nd April at the NEC, Birmingham, will include such sessions as ‘Seizing the cross-border opportunity: creating a successful strategy for expanding overseas,’ ‘How local do you go? Creating a truly targeted international offering,’ and ‘The journey to growth: identifying which markets offer the best growth potential.’