Covering the 5 weeks 31 August – 4 October 2025
- UK Total retail sales increased by 2.3% year on year in September, against a growth of 2% in September 2024. This was above the 12-month average growth of 2.1%.
- Food sales increased by 4.3% year on year in September, against a growth of 2.3% in September 2024. This was above the 12-month average growth of 3.4%.
- Non-Food sales increased by 0.7% year on year in September, against a growth of 1.7% in September 2024. This was below the 12-month average growth of 0.9%.
- In-Store Non-Food sales increased by 0.5% year on year in September, against a growth of 0.8% in September 2024. This was above the 12-month average growth of 0.4%.
- Online Non-Food sales increased by 1% year on year in September, against a growth of 3.4% in September 2024. This was below the 12-month average growth of 1.8%.
- The online penetration rate (the proportion of Non-Food items bought online) increased to 37.6% in September from 37.2% in September 2024. This was above the 12-month average of 37%.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“With the Budget looming large, and households facing higher bills, retail spending rose more slowly than in recent months. Milder weather meant shoppers delayed refreshing Autumn and Winter wardrobes and growth in food sales was largely inflationary rather than volume growth. Meanwhile, Electrical sales were buzzing thanks to the release of the new iPhone and Apple Watch.
“Rising inflation and a potentially taxing Budget is weighing on the minds of many households planning their Christmas spending. Retailers also face difficult decisions about investment and hiring over the Golden Quarter given uncertainty over business rates bills arriving in April. The future of many large anchor stores and thousands of jobs remains in jeopardy while the Treasury keeps the risk of a new business rates surtax on the table. By exempting these shops when the Budget announcements are made, the Chancellor can reduce the inflationary pressures hammering businesses and households alike.”
Linda Ellett, UK Head of Consumer, Retail & Leisure, KPMG, said:
“Overall sales grew in September, driven largely by household goods and increased mobile phone sales, as prominent brands launched new models. However, non-food sales are only growing by around 1.2% on average, indicating that spending continues to be very targeted as consumers remain cautious. As we enter the ‘golden’ quarter for the sector, retailers are planning product ranges and promotions to try and increase that rate of sales growth. They are also mindful that the Budget is beginning to move into view, with related detail about business rates reform and a general need for a boost to consumer confidence."
Food & Drink sector performance | Sarah Bradbury, CEO, IGD, said:
“Shopper confidence remained muted in September, with some tentative positive signs. These were driven by young, affluent Londoners who are more confident in their financial outlook and prioritise quality over cost saving. Grocery value growth maintained strong year-on-year increases in September, driven by food price inflation, which remains stubbornly high. Grocery volumes continued to be sluggish with household budgets under pressure, following the steady inflation rise since the start of the year. Despite grocery retailers announcing early price reductions to support budget-conscious shoppers, ongoing speculation surrounding Autumn Budget announcements may temper shopper sentiment ahead of the festive period.”
