Furniture was among the sectors hit by consumers’ reluctance to shop in February.
What was once a derided excuse for a poor Bank Holiday or disappointing weekend: the weather, badly hit spending as households looked to save money amid the wet February by staying at home.
Sales of non-food items fell away by 2.5% in the three months to February – led by declining demand for footwear, household appliances, furniture and clothing – amid weak consumer confidence, according to the latest British Retail Consortium/KPMG sales monitor.
Health and beauty, toys and home accessories such as cushions and cooking utensils saw an upturn as shoppers sought to entertain themselves at home.
‘Cuts in national insurance rates designed to put more money in people’s pockets have so far failed to translate to a boost to consumer spend on the high street, with retail sales growth in February recording a limp 1.1%,’ says Linda Ellett, KPMG UK head of consumer markets, leisure and retail.
Growth was 5.2% in February 2023, with a 12-month average of 3.1%.
‘Health and beauty categories continued to drive sales both on the high street and online, whilst sales of home and dining accessories received an unexpected boost last month, as consumers moved from buying clothes to buying cushions and cooking items.’
