Consumers preparing for the new autumn season and academic year provided a welcome boost to retail sales last month.

The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show total sales rose 2% in September, against a growth of 2.7% in the same month last year. This is above the 12-month average growth of 1.1%.

Food sales increased 3.1% year on year over the three months to September, against a growth of 7.4% in August 2023 and below the 12-month average of 4.4%.

However, non-food sales slipped 0.3% in the three months partially offset by a 3.4% increase in online non-food sales.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Retail sales saw the strongest growth in six months as non-food performed better than expected.

“As autumn rolled out across the UK, shoppers sought to update their wardrobes with coats, boots and knitwear.

“The start of the month also saw a last-minute rush for computers and clothing for the new academic year. Ongoing concerns of consumers about the financial outlook kept demand low for big ticket items such as furniture and white goods.

Dickinson added that the coming months will be “crucial” for the economy and sector as retailers enter the busy festive shopping period.

KPMG UK head of consumer for retail and leisure Linda Ellett said: “September saw modest, but welcome, sales growth for retailers. Children’s clothing, footwear and accessories saw a boost from the start of the school year, with household budgets feeling slightly less constrained for some parents compared to last year.

“Similarly, the return to work after summer holidays also led to an upturn in adult clothing and footwear sales. With record rainfall levels in some counties, the cold and wet weather in September sped up purchases of extra layers and wet weather gear.

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