A third of retailers are gloomy about the next six months, with 33 per cent reporting a negative outlook compared with 26 per cent in December 2013.

The fourth PwC market barometer found that only 28 per cent are upbeat, which contrasts with 41 per cent in December 2013.

The most significant drop is in the food and beverage retail sector.

The respondents interviewed are active in the retail of food and beverage, clothing, ICT, and the cultural and recreational businesses, located in Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, Ħamrun, Paola and Gozo.

The fourth PwC market barometer found that only 28 per cent are upbeat, which contrasts with 41 per cent in December 2013.

Catering establishments and bars are not included.

The survey picked equally negative trends about the past six months, and 48 per cent registered a fall in business when compared to the previous six months (Dec 2013: 39 per cent); only 22 per cent noted an increase (Dec 2013: 18 per cent).

The hardest area hit was Paola, which saw a 64 per cent drop in business, while the best boost was seen in St Julian’s, where a third reported an increase in business activity.

Looked at by segment, the largest drops were reported from retailers of food (63 per cent) and ICT equipment (58 per cent).

Retailers in the most significant segment, clothing, shared mixed feelings, with 46 per cent reporting a drop in business, 25 per cent an increase and 28 per cent registering a consistent business activity with the previous six months.

The market barometer uncovered some other interesting trends, such as growing objections to Sunday openings. In September 2014, 55 per cent of the 339 respondents were not in favour of the idea, as opposed to 45 per cent in December 2013.