The latest figures found retail sales in the UK to rise 0.% in October.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales rose last month after two months of no movement.
Non-food stores saw sales rise by 4.2%. Toy stores and sports equipment stores saw particularly strong sales whilst clothing sales are now just 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels.
Danni Hewson, AJ Bell financial analyst, comments on retail sales figures: “Consumers seem to have heeded warnings from some retailers that the best way to make sure they have exactly what they want under the tree this Christmas is to buy early.”
“Santa’s sack this year will be filled with clothes, toys and games. It will also contain a substantial number of second-hand items, whether that’s a reaction to rising prices, to a glut of goods thanks to lockdown clear outs, or because people are thinking more sustainably, the result is the same.”
“What is worth noting is our changing habits. Christmas shopping is an experience, not always an enjoyable one, but one that does seem to demand at least one in-person shopping trip. Finding that perfect gift is often about browsing and that’s had a knock on to online sales.”
“Though still way above pre-pandemic levels the last month saw online retail fall to its lowest level since March 2020, a factor which will boost confidence amongst bricks and mortar retailers, particularly those independents that offer the unique and great service to boot.”
