September figures show clothing slowdown
Department store sales up strongly
September 24 2002
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK clothing sales fell in September, but also point to a bumper months for the department store sector.
The ONS said retail sales rose by 0.4 per cent in September and by 4.6 per cent on the year. The three-month growth rate is up to 0.7 per cent from 0.4 per cent in August, higher than in recent months but down from the growth rate seen at the start of the year.
Clothing and footwear sales fell by 1.1 per cent in September, a factor which a number of retailers have attributed to good weather encouraging consumers to delay autumn purchases. Sales at non-specialised stores, which covers the department store sector rose by 3.8 per cent, the highest increase since February 1996.
The success of the department store sector during September may be down to higher spending on big ticket items. Sales of food and drink, as well as clothing and footwear, both rise by three per cent, compared to five per cent for the household good and non-food product categories, which includes furniture and electricals.
