From Morningstar: 2024-10-08 06:24:00

UK retail sales rose in September, driven by back-to-school shopping for children’s clothing and healthy food sales. Overall sales grew 2.0% year on year, with food sales up 3.1% and non-food sales down 0.3%. In-store non-food sales decreased by 1.5%, while online non-food sales rose by 3.4%, according to the BRC-KPMG monitor.

Retail sales saw the strongest growth in six months, with non-food items performing better than expected. Shoppers stocked up on autumn apparel like coats and boots, along with last-minute back-to-school essentials. Consumer concerns about the economy kept demand low for big ticket items like furniture, pointing to a cautious approach in spending.

British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson highlighted the importance of the upcoming months for the economy as retailers head into the “golden quarter”. Ongoing consumer concerns about finances impacted sales of larger items, while seasonal and back-to-school purchases contributed to the growth in retail sales for September.



Read more at Morningstar: UK Retail Sales Grow at Strongest Pace in Six Months