Lower inflation and interest rates are affecting retailers' views on the future in a positive direction, according to the trade organization Svensk Handel's monthly Trade Barometer. However, consumption is not increasing, according to the measurement.
"It is clear that a longer period of low inflation and interest rate cuts makes retailers dare to believe in a brighter future again," says Sofia Larsen, CEO of Svensk Handel in a written comment.
"However, there are no signs of increased household consumption yet, which suggests that the road back may be long," she adds.
Swedish retailers in all sub-sectors saw a slightly brighter outlook for the next three months in September than they did in the previous barometer.
For e-commerce, the future indicator has even climbed above the 100-line, while it is still below the "neutral value" for physical stores and wholesale trade.