UK retail sales rose in September, beating expectations, driven by strong demand for new technology, although overall sales growth slowed, fresh data showed.
Technology and telecommunication retailers saw sales surge by more than a third, buoyed by new product launches, including Apple’s new iPhone 16, which helped partially offset a 2.4% decrease in supermarkets.
The latest Office for National Statistics data showed total retail sales volumes rose 0.3% in September. Growth was slower than the 1% improvement seen in August, but was ahead of forecasts for a 0.3% decline.
Volumes were also at their highest index levels since July 2022 while year-on-year, sales jumped 3.9%, the largest annual rise February 2022.
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Cooler weather also helped support clothing and footwear sales with non-food store sales volumes rising by 2.5% in September, as consumers sought to update their seasonal wardrobe amid the cooler weather.
Retail sales rose 0.3% in September 2024, following a rise of 1.0% in August 2024.
Computers and telecoms stores grew strongly but were partly offset by falls in supermarkets.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/jP5Yn4lRHs pic.twitter.com/47ckvVvmsF
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) October 18, 2024
British Retail Consortium director of insight Kris Hamer said: “Autumn led people to upgrade their wardrobe, as well as the last minute student dash for new computers, as the new academic year began.
“Big ticket items, such as furniture and other household goods, continued to take a hit from some consumers, such as those saving for Christmas or preferring to spend on experiences.”
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