Sunny weather sees retail sales increase in August
Retail sales in August bounced back from a dip in July, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS said that retail sales volumes are estimated to have increased by 0.4% in August 2023, recovering from a fall of 1.1% in July.
Broadly, sales volumes saw a rise of 0.3% in the three months to August 2023 when compared to the previous three months.
Food stores sales volumes increased by 1.2% in August, following a decline of 2.6% in July, when supermarkets reported that wet weather had reduced clothing sales, while supermarket food sales also fell.
Non-food stores sales volumes enjoyed growth of 0.6% in August, following a fall of 1.2% in July.
However, non-store retailing – which is predominantly online retailers – saw sales volumes fall 1.3% in August, following an increase of 1.9% in July when wet weather and a range of promotions boosted sales.
ONS senior statistician Heather Bovill said: “Retail recovered a little from the large fall seen in July, driven by a partial bounce back in food and a strong month for clothing, though sales overall remain subdued.
“These were partially offset by internet sales, which dropped slightly as some people returned to shopping in person following a very wet July. Fuel sales also fell, with increased prices hitting demand.”