YEAR-on-year growth in UK retail sales value accelerated between August and September, as colder weather boosted demand for clothing and footwear, an industry survey reveals today.
The survey, from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), shows the total value of UK retail sales last month was up 3.4% on September 2011. This marked an acceleration from year-on-year sales growth of 1.6% in August.
While noting the improved sales growth in "these relentlessly tough times", the BRC added it was "not all good news". It cited a year-on-year tumble in sales of home accessories, amid housing market "challenges".
And the BRC emphasised that the improvement had followed a "poor summer" for retail sales.
With the latest official figures showing annual UK consumer prices index inflation stood at 2.5% in August, the year-on-year rise in sales volumes in September looks to have been modest.
Stephen Robertson, BRC director-general, said: "After a poor summer for sales, this is a return to growth rates we've come to regard as relatively acceptable in these relentlessly tough times. The improvement has come from the weather and a change in the mind-set of some customers.
"This September's colder conditions contrast sharply with the heatwave a year ago, giving clothing and footwear sales a major boost as shoppers stock up early on coats, boots and knitwear. Children's clothes and shoes did particularly well in September."
He added: "It's not all good news – the ongoing challenges in the housing market contributed to sales of home accessories falling at their fastest for three years – but there are signs that people are acclimatising to the new realities. Difficult has become the new norm.
"Customers are still cautious but less fearful than they were. The squeeze on disposable incomes has eased for some and, along with lots of discounts, left them feeling it's time to stop postponing spending. Retailers will be hoping this modest boost strengthens as Christmas approaches."
David McCorquodale, head of accountancy firm KPMG's retail practice, said: "September's sales figures bring much-needed relief for retailers."
He added: "Retailers will now be hoping that the consumer finds some confidence for 2013 to drive sales for the next three months. If that doesn't happen, there's a real risk that the retailers will be forced to discount their seasonal [profit] margins away."
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