Online shopping continues to prop up the UK fashion sector, with digital sales rising 9.5% in the 12 weeks to March 2, even as overall growth in clothing, footwear and accessories flatlined at just 0.2%, according to data from Kantar cited in a new UBS research note.
In-store sales fell 6.2% over the same period, underlining the pressure on physical retail.
Shoppers are buying fewer items but paying more for them.
Full-price sales are taking a bigger share, suggesting retailers are relying less on discounts to drive volume, a sign of stronger pricing power and more confident brand positioning.
UBS flagged Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LSE:MKS) as one of the standout performers, with sales up 8% and market share nudging up to 10.7%.
Next PLC (LSE:NXT) also grew its full-price mix and gained ground, while ASOS PLC (LSE:ASC), despite recent struggles, posted a 5.7% sales rise.
With volumes still negative, success is increasingly about product appeal and margin, not just footfall.