UK retail sales volumes fall 0.3% MoM in Oct; 0.9% in clothing stores

Sales volumes fell by 1.1 per cent in the three months to October compared with the previous three months.

Retail sales volumes in October were at their lowest level since February 2021, when there were widespread and extensive restrictions to non-essential retail in England, Scotland and Wales.

Non-food stores sales volumes fell by 0.2 per cent in October, following a 2.1 per cent fall in September. Retailers suggested that cost of living, reduced footfall and the wet weather in the second half of the month contributed to the fall.

Clothing stores reported a 0.9 per cent fall in October sales volumes. Retailers attributed this to the continued unseasonably warm weather, particularly at the beginning of the month, affecting the sale of autumn and winter wear.

Non-store retailing (predominantly online retailers) sales volumes rose by 0.8 per cent in October, following a fall of 2.4 per cent in September.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)