UK retail sales volumes rose by 0.5 per cent in August, recovering from a 0.5 per cent decline in July, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Non-food store sales increased by 0.6 per cent during the month, with clothing retailers partially recovering from a fall in July. The ONS says promotional activity in June had pulled some clothing sales forward, contributing to the previous month’s decline.
Department stores also recorded a recovery following stock availability issues in July, while non-store retailers partially bounced back from the previous month’s fall.
The longer-term picture was also positive, with overall retail sales volumes increasing by 0.9 per cent in the three months to August compared with the previous three months, and by 2.4 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Online spending values rose by 2.5 per cent month on month and were 8.9 per cent higher than in August 2025. Online accounted for 28.8 per cent of total retail spending, up from 28.4 per cent in July.
Commenting on the figures, Rajeev Shaunak, head of consumer at accountants MHA, says shoppers are becoming increasingly discerning about discretionary purchases.
“Consumers are still spending, but they are demanding stronger value in return,” he says. “For retailers, today’s data highlights that demand has not disappeared, but competition for consumer spending has intensified.”
Looking ahead to the crucial final months of the year, Shaunak adds: “Back-to-school spending, Black Friday and Christmas provide opportunities to rebuild momentum, but trading conditions are likely to remain uneven.”