Retail sales rose in the three months to October 2025, despite witnessing a monthly decline ahead of the Budget.
Retail revenues were estimated to have risen by 1.1% during the three months to October, compared to the three months to July, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Sales volumes were also up by 0.4% for the three months to October compared to the same period in 2024.
However, retail sales volumes are estimated to have dropped 1.1% over October, after a 0.7% rise in September, marking the first monthly fall since May 2025.
Textile clothing and footwear stores saw the biggest sales rises over the three months, increasing by 4.9%.
Food store sales grew by just 0.3% over the three months, while department stores sales nudged up 0.2%.
Household goods stores was the only retail sector that saw a sales rise in October, with revenues up 2.1%.
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Additionally, monthly online sales decreased in October, marking the first decline since January 2025, despite a rise for the three months to October.
RSM UK head of retail Jacqui Baker said: “The positive streak of retail sales growth came to a halt in October, as budget jitters took hold.
“Consumers held off from splurging in anticipation of potential tax hikes and hit pause on spending to take advantage of Black Friday deals.
“The milder weather led to a fall in clothing sales. However, clothing should be one of the main beneficiaries of the annual Black Friday event, so it’s hoped that sales will turnaround in November.”
She added: “The Golden Quarter hasn’t got off to the strongest start for many retailers, so the final few weeks of the year will hinge on the outcome of the budget which is not ideal timing for the retail sector.
“If consumers are stung by higher taxes, this will only cause them to retreat even further, just before Black Friday and the pre-Christmas shopping period.
“Conversely, if households emerge from the budget unscathed, this could be the boost they need to get spending.”
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