UK retail sales fell more than expected in September as warm weather hit clothing demand
UK retail sales fell by more than expected in September as warm weather hit demand for autumn and winter clothing.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), sales volumes dropped by 0.4% in the month, compared with expectations of a 0.1% decline. This followed a revised 0.7% rise in August.
Subscribe to TRBSupermarket sales also fell following growth in July and August.
In the three months to September, retail sales edged up 0.7% compared with the previous three-month period.
Hannah Finselbach, ONS senior statistician, said: “Retail sales grew in the latest quarter, with growth led by motor fuel which, despite recent price increases at the pump, have now returned to monthly sales levels last seen before the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
“Food and drink sales also contributed to growth in the quarter, partly helped by the warm weather and the World Cup, although they fell back slightly in September.”
The figures came as GfK reported that consumer confidence declined by 11 points to -24 in October, with all measures decreasing compared with last month’s announcement.
