Retail sales fell in August as UK customers fought with skyrocketing rates and high energy expenses, increasing the danger of an economic downturn.
The amount of items purchased in the UK fell 1.6 percent in between July and August, reversing the little growth in the previous month, according to information released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics.
This was a bigger drop than the 0.5 percent contraction anticipated by financial experts surveyed by Reuters.
The ONS stated that “rising prices and cost of living” were impacting sales volumes.
The figures highlight how high inflation is striking customers and the larger economy. The £150bn federal government’s assistance energy plan revealed previously in the month is anticipated to restrict the blow from the current rise in gas rates, however it does not resolve a possible economic crisis.
All primary sectors fell throughout the month.
Non-grocery store’ sales volumes fell 1.9 percent, with outlet store signing up a 2.7 percent contraction, family items shops were down 1.1 percent and clothes fell 0.6 percent.
Online sales and fuel were down 2.6 percent and 1.7 percent respectively. Food shops sales fell 0.8 percent.
In the 3 months to August, the volume of retail sales was 1.1 percent listed below the previous 3 months.
Lynda Petherick, retail lead at the consultancy Accenture, stated that “with a difficult winter to come, it will come as a worry to retailers that shoppers have already reined in their spending despite the hot summer”.
