Britons bought less in the shops in September than in August. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the volume of retail sales in Great Britain fell by 0.4% over the month. The data were published on Friday 23 October.
It is a fall after a strong August. The ONS revised August up to growth of 0.7% (from 0.5% previously). Compared with September 2025, sales are 0.8% higher.
The third quarter as a whole (July–September) did better: sales rose by 0.7% on the second quarter and by 1.5% year on year.
Clothing and footwear shops performed worst. Retailers report lower footfall and customers who are saving. Warm weather also held back purchases of winter clothes. Supermarket sales fell too. Fuel sales, however, rose despite prices continuing to climb.
Online sales fell by 0.4% over the month but are 6.8% higher than a year ago. Online now accounts for 28.8% of all purchases.
What it means for you
- Families: the data show many households are cutting back. Inflation is 3.5% and fuel is much more expensive than a year ago. Money is going on necessities, not clothes.
- Retail workers: weaker sales before Christmas could mean fewer hours and fewer seasonal jobs.
- Polish shops and businesses in the UK: customers are cautious. Clothing shops and “treat” sectors are having a particularly hard time. Online sales are still growing year on year.
Our assessment
One weak month is not yet a crisis. The quarter was positive. But the data come at a bad time: just before the Budget and the Christmas season. Expensive fuel and 3.5% inflation are eating into household budgets. We expect customers to count every pound until the end of the year, and shops to fight with promotions. Businesses that sell online and keep a tight grip on stock will find this period easier.
What to do
- If you run a shop, do not over-order stock for Christmas “just in case”. Check sales every week.
- Grow your online sales – it is the only channel growing year on year.
- If you have cash-flow problems, check free business support at GOV.UK – Business Support Helpline.
- Families: compare prices and use a benefits calculator, for example GOV.UK – benefits calculators.
Source: ONS – Retail sales, Great Britain: September 2026 (23.10.2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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