UK retail sales recover in August with more spent on clothing

LONDON: Sales in the UK’s retail sector returned to growth last month as supermarkets, clothing and homeware stores reported stronger trading after wet weather dampened July spending.

Retail sales volumes grew 0.4 per cent in August, up from a revised fall of 1.1 per cent in July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).It comes in slightly below expectations after economists had predicted a 0.5 per cent rise for August, according to a consensus from Pantheon Macroeconomics.

Clothing stores reported a rebound in spending last month with sales up by 2.3 per cent, mostly recovering from a drop of 2.9 per cent in July.More spending on furniture and hardware also drove up sales across household goods stores, the ONS found. However, fuel sales acted as a drag on the overall figure, with volumes falling by 1.2 per cent and retailers suggesting the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices during the month reduced spending. Furthermore, warmer weather in August lured shoppers back on to the high street, meaning that online shopping dwindled. Non-store retailers, which predominantly means online stores, reported a 1.3 per cent fall in sales volumes following a rise of 1.9 per cent in July amid rain showers and online promotions boosting spending.

Senior ONS statistician Heather Bovill said: “Retail recovered a little from the large fall seen in July, driven by a partial bounce back in food and a strong month for clothing, though sales overall remain subdued.

“These were partially offset by internet sales, which dropped slightly as some people returned to shopping in person following a very wet July. “Fuel sales also fell, with increased prices hitting demand.”

But the value of spending continues to soar above pre-pandemic levels, while volumes have fallen short. It means that people are spending more money but getting fewer items in their baskets.

Compared with the pre-Covid level in February 2020, total retail sales were 17.3 per cent higher in value terms but volumes were 1.5 per cent lower, the ONS revealed.Compared with the previous month, the amount people spent grew by 0.8 per cent in August.

UK inflation has eased in recent months but prices continue to rise, especially across food items where inflation remains well in double-digits.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Returning consumer confidence helped retail sales regain lost ground after a challenging July.“Toiletries, cosmetics and books performed particularly well as consumers purchased holiday essentials for their late summer getaways.

“Although white goods and other big-ticket items continued to take a hit as households spent more cautiously. “The next few months are vital for retailers as they gear up for the all-important Christmas trading.”

Erin Brookes, the European retail lead at Alvarez & Marsal, said: “While consumer confidence will no doubt be boosted by news that inflation is slowing, retailers will still need to be laser-focused on delivering value for their customers.

“The cost-of-living crisis will continue to bite as energy bills and mortgage payments weigh on household budgets, meaning savvier shopping into the festive season.”