UK retail sales picked up in September as the start of the school year saw a boost for children’s clothing, footwear and accessories while food sales growth remained healthy, a survey on Tuesday showed.

According to the BRC-KPMG retail sales monitor, retail sales increased by 2.0% year-on-year in the five weeks to September 28, against a growth of 2.7% a year prior. This was above the 3-month average growth of 1.2% and the 12-month average growth of 1.1%.

Food sales increased 3.1% year-on-year over the three months to September, against a growth of 7.4% a year ago.

Non-food sales decreased 0.3% year-on-year over the three-months to September, against a decline of 1.2% before. This is above the 12-month average decline of 1.7%. For the month of September, non-food was in growth year-on-year.

In-store non-food sales over the three months to September decreased 1.5% year-on-year, against a growth of 0.3%. Online non-food sales increased by 3.4% year-on-year in September, against an average decline of 3.6% a year prior.

British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said: ‘Retail sales saw the strongest growth in six months as non-food performed better than expected. As Autumn rolled out across the UK, shoppers sought to update their wardrobes with coats, boots and knitwear. The start of the month also saw a last-minute rush for computers and clothing for the new academic year. Ongoing concerns of consumers about the financial outlook kept demand low for big ticket items such as furniture and white goods.’

Dickinson thinks the coming months are ‘crucial’ for the economy as retailers enter the ‘golden quarter’.

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