Market researcher Mintel has stated that consumer expenditure on technology and communications has alone helped sustain UK retail sales to an amount worth £50bn and pushed sector growth up by 80% in the last five years. This condition was made possible by the constantly receding anxiety of shoppers, about the economy.

Mintel expects another 20% increase in sales between 2010 and 2015, which in statistical terms point to a growth of 140% in constant 2010 prices. The research showed that despite Britain being declared out of downturn, two-thirds of consumers were still worried about the economy, and that five out of the top six worries were economic.

According to Mintel Research Director, Richard Perks, immigration and Iraq war have both been largely responsible for the current apprehensions that exist in the mind of an average British consumer. He added that while consumers were primarily scared in the recession period, they are more apprehensive in the post-recession period and this has only affected major purchase decisions negatively.