Unseasonably warm weather undermined clothing retailers’ sales in September, official data has shown.
The unusually high temperatures, along with factors such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, contributed to a 1.9% decline in volumes at non-food stores over the month.
At clothing stores specifically, sales volumes fell by 1.6% in the month. The figure was the same at department stores where demand for new-season ranges was also limited.
Retail sales overall, excluding fuel, were up 6% by value in September versus the previous year and down 1.2% by volume. Month on month, sales fell 0.4% by value and 1% by volume.
Alvarez & Marsal European retail and consumer lead Erin Brookes said that, despite the muted performance, there are some grounds for optimism.
“We are starting to see the Bank of England’s rate rises take effect, with inflation falling and consumer confidence improving, which should feed through to sales in the coming months,” she said.
“After a slight sales boost in July, today’s figures show that the industry must not be complacent as we enter the golden quarter and households start gearing up for Christmas.
“Competition on price and quality will be fierce as customers shop around for the best deal and flit between online and physical channels.”
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