Retail sales volumes in the UK decreased slightly during the month of October, according to new data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The data shows that the amount purchased in the area decreased by 0.7 per cent, following a little 0.1 per cent increase the previous month.
In comparison, the year-to-October data showed a 2.4 per cent increase in sales volumes. Nonetheless, volumes were down 1.5 per cent in February 2020 compared to pre-Covid levels.
After increasing by 2.3 per cent in September, non-food stores’ October sales volume fell by 1.4 per cent. It is believed that low consumer confidence and budget uncertainty had an effect on sales.
The worse result was seen by clothing businesses, which had a 3.1 per cent decline throughout the month after growing in the preceding months due to end-of-season sales and better weather. Online sales experienced a similar reduction, falling 1.2 per cent across all major sectors.
“While October’s figures may heighten businesses’ cost fears, there’s reason to believe sales may remain positive in the run-up to Christmas to help weather this,” said Deann Evans, general director of EMEA at Shopify, in a statement.
“In November and December, for example, more than half (57 per cent) of consumers make the majority of their holiday purchases, according to our Holiday Retail Report,” he added.