This statistic shows the average gross profit margin of retail stores worldwide as of 2018, by retail segment. As of 2018, beverages retailers had the highest gross profit margin, at ***** percent. In comparison, Alcoholic beverage retailers had a gross profit margin of ***** percent.

Games published for the major game consoles are the biggest source of revenue in the Computer Game Publishing industry. However, social games played online and on mobile phones are becoming more significant. Video games are played by all age groups and demographics, offering publishers a wide potential market. Mobile phone gaming has made games more accessible for people who would otherwise not be inclined to buy console or PC games. User-friendly devices are encouraging older generations to play games. Industry revenue is estimated to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.9% over the five years through 2024-25 to reach £1.1 billion. Each new generation of consoles typically results in cyclical sales growth as consumers upgrade to the newest machines and games. The industry was unaffected by the pandemic and was supported by the release of the next generation of consoles, the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, launched in November 2020. The ninth generation of consoles has boosted the industry tremendously, with regular successful games published each year since its launch. Another development that emerged was the innovative gaming model introduced by the free-to-play game Fortnite, which reaped substantial returns through in-game purchases. Publishers also capitalised on selling additional content like maps and missions to gamers for a fee, further expanding their revenue streams. Revenue is forecast to jump by 0.9% in 2024-25. The average industry profit margin is expected to remain unchanged. Game sales are likely to flourish as consumers respond to games released on the latest generation of consoles and users continue to make the move to the latest consoles. Industry revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.9% to reach £1.2 billion in 2029-30. The industry is likely to rely more on microtransactions and freemium models to drive revenue, while also exploring the potential of the burgeoning mobile game market. Some publishers may pivot to iconic titles to gain a competitive edge, indicating that the industry may become more comparable to the film sector and have greater cross-franchising and product licensing.

Revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 2.1% over the five years through 2025-26 to £404.7 million. The test drilling and boring industry’s revenue tends to run in line with economic and investment trends in the wider construction sector. In recent years, stubborn inflation and constrained budgets have led to new construction output contracting, resulting in limited tender opportunities, which has seen industry revenue slow. Larger companies are more resilient to economic downturns as they are likely to secure public and civil work, which is less susceptible to economic conditions. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery was sluggish due to the supply chain disruptions. These disruptions, initially caused by the pandemic, were exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, resulting in persistent inflation that has plagued the industry’s operating costs. Construction material prices have trended upwards amid inflationary pressures, hindering test drilling and boring contractors’ average profit margin. Inflation prompted the Bank of England to hike the interest rate, cooling the housing market and reducing homeowners’ equity levels, which, in turn, dampened investment opportunities. In 2024-25, economic conditions are slowly stabilising as inflation trends downward, leading to the BoE reducing the interest rate for the first time since 2020. However, prices have continued to face upward pressures due to ongoing supply chain disruptions in 2025-26. While the BoE has cut the interest rate to 4% in August 2025, it remains high, which suppresses investment opportunities in the construction sector, particularly in the residential and commercial markets. Despite this uncertainty, robust government investment in infrastructure is supporting test drilling and boring revenue prospects. In 2025-26, revenue growth is forecast to climb by 2.5%. Over the five years through 2030-31, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 3.6% to £482.9 million. Significant infrastructure investments in the UK, particularly in transport network expansions, will generate revenue for test drilling and boring contractors, despite economic uncertainties. The government's target of adding 1.5 million new homes by 2029 will drive demand for these services. Technological advancements in the industry are set to be increasingly integrated into services to enhance precision and efficiency.

The Direct Real Estate Activities industry have come up against numerous headwinds in recent years, ranging from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 to the high base rate environment in the years since, which has inflated borrowing costs for potential buyers. This is a sharp contrast to the ultra-low interest environment seen over the decade following the 2008 financial crisis. Still, revenue is forecast to edge upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025 to €622.9 billion, including an anticipated rise of 0.8% in 2025. Despite weak revenue growth, profitability remains strong, with the average industry profit margin standing at an estimated 18.9% in 2025. Central banks across Europe adopted aggressive monetary policy in the two years through 2023 in an effort to curb spiralling inflation. This ratcheted up borrowing costs and hit the real estate sector. In the residential property market, mortgage rates picked up and hit housing transaction levels. However, the level of mortgage rate hikes has varied across Europe, with the UK experiencing the largest rise, meaning the dent to UK real estate demand was more pronounced. Commercial real estate has also struggled due to inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and rising rates. Alongside this, the market’s stock of office space isn’t able to satisfy business demand, with companies placing a greater emphasis on high-quality space and environmental impact. Properties in many areas haven't been suitable due to their lack of green credentials. Nevertheless, things are looking up, as interest rates have been falling across Europe over the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs and boosting the number of property transactions, which is aiding revenue growth for estate agents. Revenue is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2030 to €777.6 billion. Economic conditions are set to improve in the short term, which will boost consumer and business confidence, ramping up the number of property transactions in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. However, estate agents may look to adjust their offerings to align with the data centre boom to soak up the demand from this market, while also adhering to sustainability commitments.

The declining demand for print in major European markets like the UK, Germany and France means newspaper publishers face shrinking revenue from both sales and printed advertisements. Publishers are adjusting by developing their digital presence, introducing subscription paywalls, subscriber-only newsletters, digital advertising initiatives and strategic media partnerships to support revenue as traditional print readership continues to slump. In the five years through 2025, Book, Newspaper & Magazine Publishing revenue is projected to drop at a compound annual rate of 4.6%, to reach €102.5 billion, including an estimated drop of 3.9% in 2025 when the average industry profit margin is expected to reach 9%. Despite difficult conditions, the book publishing segment has had a strong growth in revenue since 2020, fuelled by consumers picking up more books during lockdown periods. However, the cost of print publishing has risen significantly in recent years, driven higher by global inflation with the overall producer price index for paper and paper products in the Euro area climbed 1.1% since January 2025. Publishers also face higher transport and wage costs, which are squeezing profit and limiting revenue growth. In 2024, Western European transport expenses rose by approximately 3%, according to the European Commission. Rising fuel prices and persistent driver shortages continue to push logistics costs up across the publishing sector. Looking to the future, publishers must adapt to the new digital world. The gradual slump in print media means publishers must develop their digital presence to supplement their print publications. Still, publishing companies face growing pressure as more people turn to self-publishing platforms and social-focused news channels, bypassing traditional publishers. This will prompt companies to expand into multimedia like podcasts, video journalism, and interactive graphics to diversify content formats and reach younger demographics. These trends increasingly erode established income sources like print sales and conventional advertising. As a result, the industry will likely see revenue remain strained for several years ahead. Industry revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 0.1% over the five years through 2030, reaching €103 billion.

The Direct Real Estate Activities industry have come up against numerous headwinds in recent years, ranging from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 to the high base rate environment in the years since, which has inflated borrowing costs for potential buyers. This is a sharp contrast to the ultra-low interest environment seen over the decade following the 2008 financial crisis. Still, revenue is forecast to edge upwards at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025 to €622.9 billion, including an anticipated rise of 0.8% in 2025. Despite weak revenue growth, profitability remains strong, with the average industry profit margin standing at an estimated 18.9% in 2025. Central banks across Europe adopted aggressive monetary policy in the two years through 2023 in an effort to curb spiralling inflation. This ratcheted up borrowing costs and hit the real estate sector. In the residential property market, mortgage rates picked up and hit housing transaction levels. However, the level of mortgage rate hikes has varied across Europe, with the UK experiencing the largest rise, meaning the dent to UK real estate demand was more pronounced. Commercial real estate has also struggled due to inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and rising rates. Alongside this, the market’s stock of office space isn’t able to satisfy business demand, with companies placing a greater emphasis on high-quality space and environmental impact. Properties in many areas haven't been suitable due to their lack of green credentials. Nevertheless, things are looking up, as interest rates have been falling across Europe over the two years through 2025, reducing borrowing costs and boosting the number of property transactions, which is aiding revenue growth for estate agents. Revenue is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.5% over the five years through 2030 to €777.6 billion. Economic conditions are set to improve in the short term, which will boost consumer and business confidence, ramping up the number of property transactions in both the residential and commercial real estate markets. However, estate agents may look to adjust their offerings to align with the data centre boom to soak up the demand from this market, while also adhering to sustainability commitments.

The world is increasingly connected. People communicate through a host of devices and services, such as smartphones and computers. Connections are made via radio, TV, infrastructure and smart devices such as alarm systems, which are now often connected directly to the authorities. Communications equipment is used to establish these connections, and manufacturing such equipment is a vital component of the global manufacturing sector. UK manufacturers specialise in producing high-value products, competing on quality rather than price. Despite high global demand, the industry is in long-term decline, as cost pressures have forced manufacturers to relocate offshore. Over the five years through 2025-26, revenue is expected to decrease at a compound annual rate of 1.4% to £3.2 billion. Revenue has been highly volatile, slumping during 2020-21 as a result of pandemic restrictions halting production and recovering in 2021-22, owing to the gradual reopening of the economy-boosting consumer and business confidence. In the past few years, subdued economic growth and a tightening cost of living squeeze are expected to contribute to revenue shrinking, with downstream consumers limiting discretionary spending. However, the development of 5G is stemming the decline somewhat. The average profit margin remains strong, as many manufacturers left in the market specialise in high-margin niche devices. Moving forward, strong international competition will apply downward pressure on UK manufacturers' sales. Nevertheless, high military spending in the UK and Europe will provide new opportunities for growth from one of the industry's key markets. This is likely to be counterbalanced by companies moving manufacturing abroad and infrastructure contracts awarded to businesses overseas. Revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 1.1% over the five years through 2030-31 to £3.4 billion. Increased global competition, while manufacturers in East Asia move towards higher value-added manufacturing, is likely to drive down prices.

Clothing retailing revenue is forecast to rise at a compound annual rate of 5.2%. Clothing retailers have faced a challenging period. Online shopping continues to fuel high return rates, averaging 30%, straining logistics and denting retailers’ returns Rising wage costs are also squeezing margins profit, with April 2025’s National Living Wage hike adding £7 billion in extra costs across the UK retail sector, according to the British Retail Consortium. Consumer confidence remains fragile, dampening growth forecasts and driving intense promotional activity in the key winter period. UK clothing retailers are transforming their operations amid shifting economic, social and geopolitical pressures. Many are accelerating nearshoring to protect supply chains, cut lead times and strengthen quality oversight, while reducing transport emissions. Geopolitical tensions and shipping disruptions are driving this shift, though higher production costs and post-Brexit trade rules have created additional challenges. Still, opportunities for growth remain. Social media is reshaping fashion retail, turning platforms like TikTok and Instagram into powerful sales channels, especially among younger consumers. At the same time, fast fashion is falling out of favour as shoppers and regulators push for sustainability. Retailers are pivoting to circular models, durability initiatives and transparent practices to remain competitive in a changing market. In 2025-26, revenue is expected to bump up by 1.6% to €50 billion, while the average profit margin is expected to reach 10.8% in the current year, a marked rise on the 4.8% recorded five years previously, but still lower than pre-pandemic levels thanks to rising costs. Revenue is slated to grow at a compound annual rate of 3.2% over the five years through 2030-31 to £58.6 billion. Social commerce is set to surge. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are integrating shopping features and live shopping will gain momentum, blending entertainment and commerce to engage younger audiences. Physical stores will retain their place, though, with major brands expanding and reimagining spaces to deliver immersive, tech-enabled experiences. AI will transform retail by personalising shopping, optimising inventory and supporting sustainability goals. However, regulatory shifts loom large. Higher business rates from 2026 will pressure profit, while scrapping the de minimis import threshold could level competition by imposing VAT on low-value imports. These developments signal a retail landscape defined by digital integration, immersive in-store experiences and tighter regulation, demanding agility from clothing retailers.

Holiday accommodation providers rely significantly on domestic tourists, with demand for holiday spending driven by consumer confidence and disposable income levels. Companies have faced significant volatility due to swings in tourism numbers, including the plunge caused by the COVID-19 pandemic followed by a strong recovery in domestic travel. Revenue is expected to soar at a compound annual rate of 11.1% over the five years through 2025-26 to £4.1 billion, despite a forecast dip of 0.1% in 2025-26. The growth rate has been skewed and inflated due to the significantly low value in the base year of 2020-21 amid the COVID-19-driven collapse in tourism. Revenue bounced back once COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, with revenue surging over the two years through 2022-23 amid a significant boost from the staycation trend. However, revenue growth had been held back since late 2022-23 by the cost-of-living crisis tightening consumers' purse strings. Significant consumer demand for holidays and soaring inflation encouraged holiday accommodation providers to hike prices, boosting revenue from bookings but also putting some price-sensitive consumers off from staying at industry accommodation. A slowdown in staycations and prolonged financial challenges have weakened revenue over the three years through 2025-26.The emergence of online travel agents has made it easier for independent accommodation providers to compete with larger companies, enticing newcomers into the industry. However, the enduring popularity of online private short-term rentals like Airbnb steals away guests. Intensifying competition has placed pressure on prices, which, alongside severe inflationary pressures, has weighed on the average profit margin, which is estimated to be 14.7% in 2025-26. Revenue is forecast to mount at a compound annual rate of 3.1% over the five years through 2030-31 to £4.7 billion. Climbing domestic and international visitor numbers will support growth. Given the anticipated expansion in inbound visits to the UK, companies must find ways to attract foreign travellers, who typically stay at hotels or use home-sharing platforms. Growing disposable incomes will spur consumer spending on holiday trips, though this may also lead to some travelling abroad or staying at more upscale hotels. That being said, home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and competitively-priced hotels investing in enhancing facilities and offerings will continue to lure consumers away from holiday accommodation providers. Industry companies will have to bump up investment in technology and sustainability to remain competitive and attract guests. Intense price competition and elevated staff costs will continue to weigh on revenue and profit.

In the three months leading up to July 2025, Morrisons sales increased by *** percent compared to the same period a year earlier. After struggling with shrinking sales in the second half of 2019, the company enjoyed unprecedented growth in sales throughout 2020. This growth slowed in 2021 as shopper habits stabilized, but started to pick up again in 2023 due to the impacts of inflation. Company profile and market share Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc is the fifth largest grocery retailer in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1899 by William Morrison. The company operates primarily in Great Britain and holds an *** percent share of the grocery market as of July 2025. Traditionally known as one of the big four supermarkets in the UK, Morrisons was recently demoted to ***** place as Aldi took its spot. Morrisons by the numbers Morrisons operates *** stores across the UK and served an average of ****** customers per store per week in its last financial year. In 2020/21, the company made a gross profit of *** million British pounds, a substantial decrease from previous years. Morrisons' profits hit a peak of just over *** billion British pounds in 2011/12.

The Confectionery Wholesaling industry has benefitted from consumers perceiving confectionery as an affordable luxury that they can't do without, despite the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures over the past five years. The consumer appetite for new and exciting treats is expanding, with exotic and nostalgic products performing well. Growing health consciousness has supported sales for products low in sugar, like dark chocolate and plant-based jellies. Revenue in the confectionery wholesaling industry is expected to swell at a compound annual rate of 5.1% to £12.3 billion over the five years through 2025-26. The average profit margin is forecast to expand to 5.5% in 2025-26. The industry has encountered some challenges in recent times. Soaring cocoa and sugar prices have led to wholesalers having to pass on a significant portion of purchase costs downstream to retailers and consumers, which has had the knock-on effect of dampening revenue growth. Supermarkets, which are confectionery wholesalers' largest buyer, are putting the industry under greater pressure to drop their prices through the wholesale bypass. With the wholesale bypass, they can cut out wholesalers and buy straight from manufacturers, using their size and logistical capacity. They've also expanded their own-label products, which has reduced their reliance on wholesalers. These factors are expected to contribute to a 0.8% dip in revenue for confectionery wholesalers in 2025-26. Revenue is forecast to swell at a compound annual rate of 2.9% to £14.2 billion over the five years through 2030-31. As the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressure subside, wholesalers' orders for confectionery are likely to inch upward, particularly from convenience stores, which are expanding their presence across the UK. Sales for high-margin premium confectionery will drive growth and support profitability, with hospitality markets like restaurants and hotels wanting to bolster the quality of their services to their customers. Expanding digitalisation in the industry will open up opportunities for wholesalers to directly sell to consumers through e-commerce and push down operational costs by enhancing processing efficiency and broadening distribution systems, ultimately boosting revenue and profitability. However, wholesalers will face growing regulatory pressures from the government, which is expanding its initiative to tackle obesity by banning the advertisement of products high in fat, sugar and salt from October 2025.