Overview
- BRC/KPMG reported total retail sales up 2.3% year on year in the five weeks to 4 October, down from 3.1% in August and the weakest rise since May.
- Barclays said card spending fell 0.7% in September, with essential outlays down 2.6% and discretionary growth easing to 0.2%, while 44% of consumers are changing spending and a third are building savings.
- Non‑food sales rose just 0.7% year on year as shoppers delayed wardrobe refreshes, while food sales increased about 4.3% largely due to higher prices; electronics benefited from new Apple launches.
- Industry reports pointed to lower high‑street footfall, with London Tube strikes and Storm Amy disrupting shopper visits and weighing on in‑store activity.
- Retailers warned that uncertainty over business rates and the prospect of further business tax measures is pressuring investment and hiring, putting large anchor stores and jobs at risk.