No change in retail sales during September
Fri, 23 Oct 2009
Official figures have confirmed that retail sales remained static for September, the second successive month without change.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) sales were up 2.4 per cent on September last year, however this was down on the 2.8 per cent rise anticipated.
Food sales fell by 0.1 per cent in September, with non-food items showing no growth. Meanwhile textile, clothing and footwear volumes fell by 0.5 per cent.
Commenting on the findings, British Retail Consortium (BRC) economist Richard Lim said consumer confidence remained fragile in the UK.
There is a sense that the mood of customers is beginning to improve, he claimed, although this has yet to be reflected in sales figures.
Mr Lim added: "Food has been the main driver of overall sales growth for the past few years, but this September saw slower food sales growth as food inflation weakened.
"Some sectors are seeing confidence trickle back – clothing and furniture, for example, saw sales growth up a little. Retailers will be hoping for positive news about employment and housing to boost consumer sentiment."
Earlier this month, the BRC and KPMG reported that non-food non-store sales rose by 11.9 per cent in September compared to 12 months ago.
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