Sales volumes were up 0.5% in September, driven by non-store retailing (up 1.5%) and household goods (up 1.2%).

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), total sales volumes rose over the month to September, marking the fourth consecutive monthly rise and bringing volumes to their highest level since July 2022.

Non-food stores (the total of department, clothing, household, and other non-food stores) rose by 0.9%.

“The quantity of goods bought in retail sales is estimated to have risen by 0.9% in Quarter 3 (July to Sept) 2025 when compared with Quarter 2 (Apr to June) 2025, said the ONS report.

“Good weather in July and August helped clothing sales in Quarter 3, while non-store retailers showed sustained monthly rises over both quarters.”

Retail sales volumes are estimated to have risen by 0.5% in September, following an increase of 0.6% in August 2025 (revised up from the 0.5% rise in a previous ONS bulletin).

Computer and telecommunications retailers’ sales volumes grew strongly alongside continued growth among non-store retailers, where online jewellers reported strong demand for gold, said the ONS.

Jacqui Baker, head of retail at RSM UK and chair of ICAEW’s Retail Group, said: “Retail sales picked up again in September, as consumers spruced up their homes as we headed into autumn and the new iPhone release boosted technology sales.

“Despite incomes being squeezed, households continue to spend as demonstrated by a run of positive sales for the last four months.”

The ONS data also showed monthly online sales rose for the eighth consecutive period in September. The amount spent online, known as online spending values, rose by 3.5% compared with Q2 and Q3 2025.

Baker added: “While sticky inflation and budget uncertainty didn’t hit retail sales last month, there’s every possibility constant speculation could supress consumer confidence in the lead up to the budget.

“Households could be tempted to put the brakes on spending, so retailers may be entering a more challenging period during what should be their busiest time of the year. Retailers will be hoping they can delay heavy discounting until Black Friday sales in November, but some may not have a choice.”

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