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Retail sales volumes fell by 1.4% in September 2022, making them 1.3% below pre-coronavirus (Covid-19) February 2020 levels.
According to the latest data from the ONS, while retailers continue to mention the effect of rising prices and the cost of living on sales volumes, they were also affected by the bank holiday for the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In the three months to September 2022, sales volumes fell by 2.0% when compared with the previous three months which continues the downward trend seen since summer 2021.
Food store sales volumes fell by 1.8% in September 2022, which leaves them 3.2% below their pre-coronavirus levels in February 2020.
Meanwhile, non-store retailing – predominantly online retailers – saw sales volumes fall by 3.0% in September 2022; despite this fall, sales volumes were 18.0% above their February 2020 levels.
Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 0.6% in September 2022 and are 2.7% below February 2020 levels. Automotive fuel sales volumes also fell by 1.3% in September 2022; these were 10.2% below their February 2020 levels.
The proportion of retail sales taking place online was 26.4% in September 2022, which has remained at a broadly consistent level since May 2022.
ONS director of Economic Statistics Darren Morgan said: “Retail sales continued to fall in September after a weak August, and consumers are now buying less than before the pandemic. Drops were seen across all main areas of retailing, with falling sales in food stores making the largest contribution.
“Retailers told us that the fall in September was partly because many stores were closed for the Queen’s funeral, but also because of continued price pressures leading consumers to be careful about spending.”
