// High street sales growth slows according to fresh data from the BDO High Street Sales Tracker
// Fashion sales rose 2.6% – the slowest increase recorded since the first week of June this year
Retail sales growth slowed to its lowest rate this year last week according to new data, although it was still ahead on a year-on-year basis.
Total like-for-like sales increased by 2.1% in the week ending 21 August, compared to the same week last year, according to the BDO High Street Sales Tracker.
Fashion sales were up 2.6%, the slowest increase recorded since the first week of June this year.
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“Amidst recent reports of falling wages and consumer confidence, total in-store like-for-likes saw moderate growth compared to past weeks, while total non-store like-for-likes recorded another negative week,” BDO said.
“Total fashion was outperformed by lifestyle this week – the first time that has happened since June.”
The data revealed that total in-store like-for-like sales rose 6%, from a base of 33.61% for the same week last year, while total non-store sales dropped 5.8%, compared to a rise of 21.94% a year ago.
“The weather this week was predominantly soggy with heavy showers and overcast conditions, while some parts of the country experienced strong winds.
“The same week last year saw cool temperatures and damp conditions across much of the UK.”
Overall, footfall edged up by 8.6% compared to the same week last year, with footfall on high streets rising 11.8%, while shopping centres saw footfall increase by 8.7%.
However, footfall at retail parks, meanwhile, declined by 0.8%, marking its fifth straight week of negative results.
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