Retail sales in the UK in August fell 1.0% on a like-for-like basis against weak comparatives in August 2004. Like-for-like growth has now been in negative territory for six of the eight months so far this year.
Total sales rose by 2.9% due to seasonal inflation in food prices and new selling space coming on stream.
The three-month trend rate of growth improved slightly in August to -1.2% from -1.7% in July for like-for-like sales, and to 2.3% from 1.1% for total sales.
Clothing and footwear showed larger declines than in July and June. Food sales were also weaker than in June and July.
Big-ticket and housing-related items continue to be affected by consumer caution. Furniture, carpets and large electricals were hardest hit, but also in homewares and DIY, essentials were preferred to discretionary items.
British Retail Consortium
marketing@alchempro.com
