Consumer confidence boost likely to see profitable festive season for retailers

Retailers across the country could be in for a profitable festive season following a rise in consumer confidence.

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rebounded to -9 index points in the fourth quarter, after falling from -10 to negative -13 in the third quarter of 2025.

This means consumers are showing improved willingness to spend.

The relatively positive outcome is part of the latest survey by FNB and Bureau for Economic Research.

“There were a number of developments, positive developments that contributed to this relatively positive outcome,” said FNB senior economist Siphamandla Mkhwanazi.

“The first is that we are in an environment where inflation is stable, food inflation has come down a little bit, you know, from the time of the previous survey.”

Mkhwanazi said furniture and care are among items likely to be on the shopping list for middle-class buyers.

“So, we're getting all of these goods at a cheaper price, the rent is stronger, overall affordability is improving, those developments tend to support sentiment. We do hope that we will see much more of that in the next quarter.”