// Retail sales grew last month on the back of price increases while sales volumes continued to shrink
// Price inflation offset a decrease in transactions by shoppers last month
New research has found that price inflation offset a decrease in transactions by shoppers last month.
Retail sales grew last month on the back of price increases while sales volumes continued to shrink, according to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor for September.
The latest BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor for September showed that price inflation offset a decrease in transactions by shoppers over the month.
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The news comes after Barclaycard’s spending data found an increase in sales but highlighted growth slowed further as consumer spending was further impacted by cost-of-living concerns.
Total retail sales increased by 2.2% in September, rising slightly from 1% growth in August.
BRC said the figures showed that people “shopped cautiously” over the month.
“While UK retail sales grew in September, this represented another month of falling sales volumes given high levels of inflation,” BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said.
“As consumer confidence continued to fall, people shopped cautiously, avoiding large ticket items such as new computers, TVs and furniture.
“Many households are also preparing for higher energy costs this winter, with blankets, warm clothing, and energy-efficient appliances, such as air dryers and air fryers, all selling well.”
The data revealed that food sales grew 4.6% over the three months to September, compared with the same period last year, boosted by inflation.
Elsewhere, non-food sales dipped by 0.4% over the quarter but increased over the month of September after a recovery in fashion.
KPMG UK head of retail, Paul Martin said: “Once again, clothing and footwear came to the rescue of the high street, and back to school purchasing was a driver in retail growth figures, with sales of children’s shoes up over 15%.
“Sales of household appliances and cooking accessories also moved into positive territory this month, as consumers look to purchase more energy efficient kitchen items in light of rising energy prices.”
