Retail sales in the UK slowed in September to a 2.7% rise compared to 2.2% last year, as mild weather and the cost of living hit the sector.
According to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), food sales nudged up 7.4% on a total basis over the three months to September, putting them below the 12- month average growth of 8.4%.
Non-food sales were down 1.2%, making them below the 12-month average growth of 0.6%.
BRC chief Helen Dickinson noted: “Sales growth in September slowed as the high cost of living continues to bear down on households.
“Big ticket items such as furniture and electricals performed poorly as consumers limited spending in the face of higher housing, rental and fuel costs”.
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However, KPMG head of retail Paul Martin added: “With the warmer weather delaying household heating being switched on, positive news around falling inflation and a hold on rising interest rates, consumers will hopefully be feeling a bit more confident as thoughts turn to Christmas shopping.
“After years of battling challenges, the resilience of the retail sector has been dented and we are starting to see the gap between the strongest and the weakest on the high street widen”.
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