Trade in the mild earlier part of the month was much weaker. On the colder days, coats, knitwear, jeans and hosiery sold very well. Warmer nightwear, scarves and gloves had an early start for some.
Footwear
Sales growth strengthened further after picking up in August, and was the best since April's sun-driven boost. Women's and especially children's footwear showed very good gains against declines a year ago, while men's growth was stronger than a year ago.
Back-to-school was excellent for most and lasted well into the month. Boots and sports ranges were popular for boys and ballerina pumps and bar shoes sold well for girls.
In women's, pumps and smart shoes for work remained strong and high-leg boots had a good start, but ankle styles were more mixed. Top-end designer shoes remained very strong. Unsurprisingly, both Wellington boots and slippers sold well in the cold wet last week of the month.
Department Stores
After a challenging start to the month when the dry sunny weather hit footfall, trade improved when the weather worsened.
Clothing and footwear benefited thus from the cold and rain. Homewares were often slower, despite various promotions, but beauty products maintained their growth.
Homewares
September was better than August but not as good as June and July when very wet weather had benefited 'indoor' products. Home accessories rose above year-ago levels and the decline in house textiles slowed.
Bedding and duvets sold well on colder days, but some noted consumer caution hitting discretionary purchases. Casual and contemporary dining and cookware was often preferred to more traditional tabletop products.
Furniture and Floorcoverings
Sales were slightly better than in August but still lower than a year ago, especially for larger items. Sofas, upholstery and dining were generally tougher than beds and bedroom furniture. Fitted kitchens and bathrooms were general flat and garden furniture clearance-driven.
Health and Beauty
It was another excellent month for toiletries and cosmetics, with sales well up on a year ago. The sunny start to the month seemed to help cosmetics, fragrances, skincare, suncare and hayfever. Cough/ cold gained strength as the weather cooled and healthcare also held up well.
Mail Order
Sales were generally flat, with an improvement in clothing and footwear later in the month offsetting weaker homewares. Large TVs and video games did well but discretionary items were more difficult.
British Retail Consortium
marketing@alchempro.com
