Consumers’ financial concerns saw a subdued situation for big ticket retailers while the new school year boosted total retail sales and wet weather lifted the clothing sector, according to new data.
UK total retail sales increased by 2% year on year in September: above the three-month average of 1.2% and the 12-month average of 1.1%, but lower than September 2023’s 2.7%, according to the BRC.
Non-food sales fell 0.3% year on year in the three-months to September, against a decline of 1.2% in September 2023. This is above the 12-month average decline of 1.7%.
‘Retail sales saw the strongest growth in six months as non-food performed better than expected. As Autumn rolled out across the UK, shoppers sought to update their wardrobes with coats, boots and knitwear. The start of the month also saw a last-minute rush for computers and clothing for the new academic year. Ongoing concerns of consumers about the financial outlook kept demand low for big ticket items such as furniture and white goods,’ says Helen Dickinson BRC chief executive.
‘September saw modest, but welcome, sales growth for retailers. Children’s clothing, footwear and accessories saw a boost from the start of the school year, with household budgets feeling slightly less constrained for some parents compared to last year. Similarly, the return to work after summer holidays also led to an upturn in adult clothing and footwear sales. With record rainfall levels in some counties, the cold and wet weather in September sped up purchases of extra layers and wet weather gear,’ says Linda Ellett, KPMG UK head of consumer, retail and leisure.
