Retail Week looks ahead to next week with a Primark update, consumer confidence data and Sainsbury’s Argos bid deadline all on the agenda.

Primark

The fashion retailer’s parent company Associated British Foods unveils a pre-close trading update on Monday.

Investors and analysts will be looking to see if Primark can continue its upward sales trajectory.

In the 16 weeks to January 2, sales advanced 7% in constant currency terms, while an anticipated drop in margins was cushioned by a well-managed stock position.

Sainsbury’s

The grocer will either have to “put up or shut up” by 5pm on Tuesday in its bid to acquire Home Retail Group.

Sainsbury’s reached agreement on a possible offer for the Argos-owner earlier this month, in a deal which valued the business at £1.3bn.

The grocer’s boss Mike Coupe believes Sainsbury’s would be able to compete with general merchanside giants Amazon and John Lewis if the acquisition were to go through.

Consumer confidence

The latest monthly index from from GfK will be revealed on Friday.

Consumer confidence rose to a +4 rating in January as shoppers began to feel more positive about their personal finances.

However, optimism surrounding the general economic situation in the UK decreased during the month.

Retailers will be hoping that turbulence in global markets hasn’t had a negative impact on that measure.

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