UK Retail Sales Slip to Five-Month Low in August

Source: Office for National Statistics

Retail sales in Great Britain fell to a five-month low in August, as food stores, department stores, and computer stores reported lower figures during the month.

• The retail sales index fell by 0.9% to 107.2 in August from 108.3 in July. This is the lowest since March’s 103.4.
• Volumes for the three months to August were 0.3% higher versus the three months earlier, and 4.6% above the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020.
• Food store sales volume declined by 1.2% due to the easing of hospitality restrictions. Social spending such as eating and drinking in bars and restaurants increased.
• Non-food store sales volumes fell 1.0%, dragged mainly by the sales of department, sports equipment, and computer stores.
• Automotive fuel sales climbed 1.5% with the growth in travel but remained 1.2% below pre-pandemic levels.
• The share of online retail sales jumped to 27.7%, up from 27.1% in August and the 19.7% seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.