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The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Sales Monitor reports that, on a total basis, sales increased by 2.2% in September, against an increase of 0.6% in September 2021.
According to the BRC, the UK retail sales also increased 1.8% on a like-for-like basis from September 2021, when they had reportedly decreased by 0.6%.
However, online non-food sales saw a decrease of 2.6% in September, against a decline of 7.3% in September 2021.
It is reported that the non-food online penetration rate also decreased to 38.4% in September from 40.5% at the same point last year.
The September retail sale results come as in the week beginning 2 October, footfall reportedly slipped by 0.2% on the previous week across all UK retail destinations. The biggest drop was said to be localised in shopping centres and retail parks, according to figures from the monitoring group, Springboard.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “While UK retail sales grew in September, this represented another month of falling sales volumes given high levels of inflation. As consumer confidence continued to fall, people shopped cautiously, avoiding large-ticket items such as new computers, TVs and furniture.
“Many households are also preparing for higher energy costs this winter, with blankets, warm clothing, and energy-efficient appliances, such as air dryers and air fryers, all selling well.”
She added: “A difficult winter looms for both retailers and consumers. Costs are increasing throughout retailers’ supply chain, the pound remains weak, interest rates are rising, and a tight labour market is pushing up the cost of hiring. All of this is making it harder for retailers to reduce prices and help struggling households.”
