In October, unseasonably warm weather led to a decrease in UK fashion sales, as reported by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
- UK total retail sales edged up by 0.6% year-on-year, a notable slowdown from last year’s growth rate of 2.6%.
- The non-food sector, including fashion, experienced a decline, affecting both in-store and online sales figures.
- Key factors influencing these figures included delayed consumer spending due to a late half term and upcoming Budget uncertainties.
- Despite a challenging month, the retail sector remains hopeful for November, anticipating an uplift from Black Friday promotions.
Last month’s unexpectedly mild weather significantly impacted UK fashion sales, as consumers delayed their winter purchases. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), this hesitancy was evident in the overall modest retail sales growth of 0.6% in October compared to a more robust 2.6% increase the previous year.
The non-food segment, which includes fashion items, saw a downturn. Year-on-year, non-food sales decreased by 0.1% over the three months leading to October, following a 1.0% fall in October 2023. This decline was evident both on the high street, with in-store non-food sales dropping by 1.2%, and online, though online sales managed a minor annual rise of 0.4%.
While Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, acknowledged a “good start to Autumn,” she expressed disappointment with October’s sales performance, attributing part of this to the shift in the half term schedule. This adjustment likely deferred some consumer activities until November, which is expected to compensate for October’s shortfalls as shoppers prepare for Black Friday.
Additional contributing factors included apprehension surrounding the Budget and energy bill increases, which further discouraged spending. However, health and beauty sectors managed to thrive, with items like beauty advent calendars witnessing robust sales despite broader retail challenges.
Linda Ellett from KPMG highlighted the sector’s resilience, noting that although October growth was subdued compared to September, retailers are optimistic. The anticipation of Black Friday and subsequent promotions are expected to catalyse a rebound in consumer spending.
Retailers are cautiously optimistic about November, expecting improved sales from Black Friday promotions and more settled weather conditions.
