Britain Retail Sales Rise 0.5% in August as Heatwaves Offset Forecast 0.2% Drop
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 18
Britain Retail Sales Rise 0.5% in August as Heatwaves Offset Forecast 0.2% Drop
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 18
Summary
Britain’s retail sales volumes rose 0.5% month on month in August, beating forecasts for a 0.2% fall and reversing July’s 0.5% decline.
Heatwaves lifted demand for fans, air-conditioning units, sports goods and clothing, while the late bank holiday and back-to-school shopping also supported spending, with online sales among the biggest gainers.
Department store sales climbed 1.8% and non-store retailing rose 1.7% in August; across the three months to August, total retail sales increased 2.4% year on year and online sales jumped 5.4%.
Fuel sales fell 1.7% in August as higher petrol and diesel prices since the Iran war curbed non-essential driving, highlighting pressure on household budgets despite stronger headline spending.
The sales surprise adds to July’s unexpected 0.4% GDP growth before next month’s budget, even as inflation hit 3.1% in August and the Bank of England signaled energy-driven rate risks.