UK total retail sales increased by 4.1% in August, against a growth of 1% in August 2022. This was above the three-month average growth of 3.6% and in line with the 12-month average growth of 4.1%.
Non-Food sales decreased 0.2% on a total basis over the three-months to August. This is below the 12-month average growth of 0.9%. For the month of August, non-food was in growth year-on-year.
Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Retail sales in August improved, particularly on July’s poor performance. Sale of non-food products had their best month since February.
“The sales figures reflected the improvement in consumer confidence in August, and retailers hope this general upwards trend will carry on. High interest rates and high winter energy bills will put pressure on many households to spend cautiously.”
Paul Martin, UK head of retail at KPMG, said August saw a bounce back in retail sales growth to 4.1%, which will come as a relief for many retailers.
“Internet retailers continue to struggle as online sales fell yet again in August, dropping by 3% year-on-year,” Mr Martin said.
“As summer comes to an end, retailers will have their sights firmly set on the most crucial period of trading as consumers get ready for Christmas. Inflation levels are heading in the right direction, albeit much more slowly than hoped, and savvy shoppers will be Christmas bargain hunting much earlier this year, as price continues to drive decisions and consumers seek out good deals to stretch their budgets.
“With shoppers becoming more calculated and aware of what they are getting for their money than we have seen for a long time, retailers will have to fight harder for every sale.”
