The latest Bureau for Economic Research BER Retail Survey reveals that business confidence among South African retailers has experienced a notable retreat, plummeting to 32 in the third quarter of 2025, down from a more optimistic 42 in the second quarter of 2021, reports Cape town Etc .
This 10-point drop represents a concerning shift in sentiment, bringing confidence below the long-term average of 40 for the first time in a year, marking a return to levels akin to those observed at the start of 2024.
Despite the decline in confidence, the retail sectors overall profitability remains relatively strong, with many underlying activity indicators either at or nearing their long-term averages.