UK retail sales rise 0.5% in August as online sales recover

UK retail sales returned to growth in August after a stronger performance from online retailers and department stores.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes edged up 0.5% in the month, following a decline of 0.5% in July.

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It said online retailers partially recovered from a drop in July, which retailers attributed to promotions occurring earlier than usual this year in June. Some online retailers also reported strong sales in August.

The ONS said clothing stores partially recovered from a fall in July, when it was reported that promotional activity in June pulled sales forward. Department stores also picked up in August following issues with stock availability in July.

Across the three months to August, sales volumes rose by 0.9% compared with the previous three-month period.

The ONS said warm weather increased sales of fans and air conditioning units, as retailers also benefited from sales of sports merchandise and clothing. It added that food store sales also rose over the three months, with supermarkets performing well in both July and August.

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