Retail sales figures show Christmas shopping has begun early
New figures have shown that retail sales increased by 6.1% in September on a like-for-basis as people began their Christmas shopping earlier this year.
According to data from the British Retail Consortium, total sales rose by 5.6%.
Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said: “September saw a big improvement in retail sales growth, however sales over the last six months are still down on the previous year. Tighter coronavirus restrictions have continued to hold back clothing and footwear, particularly as the Government further restricts social events.”
The BRC’s figures reveal that food sales grew by 5.1% on a like-for-like basis and by 5.6% on total basis in the the three months to September.
Non-food retail sales were also up in the period, rising by 5.2% on a like-for-like basis and by 3.2% on a total basis.
However, like-for-like sales of non-food items in-store dropped by 9.5% while total sales fell by 12.3%.
Dickinson said sales of electronics, household goods and home office products have remained high due to many people continuing to work from home during the coronavirus crisis.
She added: “September sales have also given retailers early signs that consumers are starting their Christmas shopping earlier this year, which retailers are encouraging their customers to do in order to manage demand at Christmas and keep people safe. However, store-based sales, excluding food are still in double digit decline.”
