Shoppers Turn On To Online Spending As Sales Rise For Fifth Month

Source: Visit website

British retailers have notched up their fastest growing quarter on record as parts of the economy rebounded after the worst of lockdown.

Retail sales value notched up a 17.7% rise the three months to the end of September, as shoppers flocked back to some of their favourite high streets.

The Office for National Statistics data showed that September was the fifth consecutive month of growth for how much British shoppers were spending.

However, more than a quarter (27.5%) of these sales are now online, against only 20.1% in February, the ONS said.

⁘Whilst we might be entering the colder months of the year, this latest set of results suggests the UK retail market is yet to feel the chill,⁘ said Karen Johnson the head of retail and wholesale at Barclays.

Overall growth in sales volumes ⁘ rather the amount spent ⁘ was up 5.5% compared with February⁘s pre-pandemic level, the ONS added.

Food stores⁘ sales were above February levels by 1.7%. Supermarkets are expected to benefit further from new local restrictions hitting pubs and restaurants hardest.

Fuel sales volumes remained low, down 8.6% from February with reduced travelling, and clothing sales volumes remained 12.7% below pre-pandemic levels.