UK Retail Sales Fall More Than Expected

UK retail sales volumes fell 0.4% month-on-month in September 2026, more than the expected 0.1% decline, following an upwardly revised 0.7% rise in August. Online clothing retailers reported weaker demand for autumn and winter ranges amid unseasonably warm weather, while lower footfall and consumer cutbacks weighed on clothing and footwear, sports equipment, and household goods retailers. Overall, non-food store sales volumes fell 0.4%. Supermarket sales also declined after rising in July and August. In contrast, automotive fuel sales rose despite higher prices. In the third quarter, retail sales volumes increased 0.7% quarter-on-quarter and 1.5% year-on-year, supported by fuel and food store sales, while warm weather, promotions and the World Cup boosted alcohol and beverage sales. Annually, retail sales volumes rose 0.8% in September, below the expected 1% increase and slowing from 2.7% in August.

UK retail sales volumes rose 0.5% month-on-month in August 2026, defying market expectations of a 0.2% fall and rebounding from a 0.5% decline in July. Non-store retailers rose 1.7%, partially recovering from July’s decline when earlier promotional activity in June pulled sales forward. Non-food store sales volumes rose 0.6%, with department stores recovering from stock availability issues and clothing retailers rebounding. Food store sales volumes also increased 0.3%, supported by higher supermarket spending. Meanwhile, fuel sales fell 1.3% as sharp price rises prompted consumers to change buying habits, including partially filling tanks. Over the three months, sales volumes grew 0.9%, supported by warm weather, strong non-store and food sales, and higher alcohol and beverage sales linked to promotions and the World Cup. Annually, retail sales volumes rose 2.4%, exceeding expectations for a 1.9% increase and accelerating from a 1.2% gain in July.

UK retail sales volumes fell 0.5% month-on-month in July 2026, in line with market expectations and following a downwardly revised 0.7% rise in June. This marked the first decline since April, as non-food stores and non-store retailers pulled back after early promotions brought demand forward into June. Non-food store sales volumes dropped 1.3%, led by weaker clothing and household goods sales. Clothing retailers cited lower footfall amid hot weather and fewer promotions. Household goods stores declined as the heatwave reduced demand, while department stores were affected by stock availability issues. Non-store retail sales fell after strong gains in May and June, boosted by promotions, sports merchandise and demand for outdoor products and fans. Partly offsetting these declines, food store sales rose 0.5%, supported by hot weather and the World Cup. On an annual basis, retail sales increased 1.6%, the smallest rise in three months, down from 3.8% in June.