Britain’s retail sales fall as warm weather holds back autumn clothing
Britain’s retail sales volumes fell 0.4 per cent in September, following an upwardly revised increase in August. Online clothing retailers linked weaker demand for autumn and winter ranges to unusually warm weather. The monthly decline accompanied a 0.7 per cent rise over the third quarter, supported by food and fuel sales.
Economics & Markets··Midday
September reverses August’s rise
Retail sales volumes in Great Britain fell 0.4 per cent in September from August. Online clothing retailers attributed weaker sales of autumn and winter ranges to unusually warm weather. Supermarket sales also declined after growth in July and August.[1], [2]
The Office for National Statistics, Britain’s official statistics agency, revised August’s monthly increase from 0.5 per cent to 0.7 per cent. It revised July’s fall from 0.5 per cent to 0.4 per cent. September volumes remained 0.8 per cent above a year earlier.[1]
Food and fuel support quarterly growth
Seasonally adjusted volumes increased 0.7 per cent in July–September from the preceding quarter and 1.5 per cent annually. Food and fuel stores supported that growth. Fuel volumes had recovered after April, when retailers said motorists reduced journeys and postponed filling tanks as prices rose.[1]
Online spending loses share
Online spending fell 0.4 per cent in September, while total spending across stores and online channels rose 0.3 per cent. The online share consequently slipped from 28.9 per cent to 28.8 per cent. These spending values measure money paid; the headline retail figures measure the seasonally adjusted quantity of goods purchased.[1]
