Retailers in Great Britain sold 0.4% fewer goods in September than in August, after adjusting for price changes and seasonal patterns. August had been stronger than initially reported, with a revised rise of 0.7%. Even after the monthly dip, September’s sales volume was 0.8% higher than a year earlier.
Across the full quarter, volumes rose 0.7% from the previous three months. Fuel made a contribution as sales recovered from subdued spring levels. Warm weather helped sales of food and drink over the quarter, but mail-order retailers reported weaker demand for autumn and winter clothing in September. The same weather can therefore affect categories in quite different ways.
For anyone interpreting conditions on the high street, coverage matters. The figures include mail order and petrol stations but leave out much household spending on services. They also measure quantities, not takings: a shop can bring in more cash while selling fewer goods.