Britain’s retail sector enjoyed the fastest increase in sales for six months throughout September as autumn weather helped drive demand for clothing.
Total sales increased by 2% year on year, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), aided by a 3.1% uptick at food retailers, while non-food transactions fell by 0.3%.
The decrease for non-food retailers was not as bad as expected though, the industry body said.
“As autumn rolled out across the UK, shoppers sought to update their wardrobes with coats, boots and knitwear,” BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson commented.
“The start of the month also saw a last-minute rush for computers and clothing for the new academic year.”
However, demand for big-ticket items remained low due to ongoing concerns among customers over their finances, she said.
Retailers were said to be "holding their breath" ahead of this month's Autumn Budget, Dickinson noted, as firms brace for potential tax changes.
“The coming months are crucial for the economy as retailers enter the 'golden quarter,' she added.
"But in the face of weak consumer confidence and the continued high burden of business rates, retailers’ capacity for further investment is limited."