UK retail sales 2% Y-o-Y up in September ’24

UK retail sales increased by 2.0 per cent year-on-year in September, exceeding the three-month average growth of 1.2 per cent, according to data from the British Retail Consortium on Tuesday. This marks the strongest retail growth in six months, despite a slowdown compared to the 2.7 per cent rise in September 2023.

Food sales grew by 3.1 per cent year-on-year over the three months to September, while non-food sales saw a slight decline of 0.3 per cent. However, online non-food sales rose by 3.4 per cent year-on-year, driven by higher demand for clothing and school supplies. The online penetration rate for non-food items reached 35.6 per cent.

“Retail sales saw the strongest growth in six months as non-food performed better than expected. As Autumn rolled out across the UK, shoppers sought to update their wardrobes with coats, boots and knitwear. The start of the month also saw a last-minute rush for computers and clothing for the new academic year. Ongoing concerns of consumers about the financial outlook kept demand low for big ticket items such as furniture and white goods.” Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said.

Attribution: The British Retail Consortium

Subediting: Y.Yasser