UK retail like-for-likes increased by 1.3% in August, according to BRC-KPMG data. Retail Week takes a look at the performance sector-by-sector.

Food: Down

Food was the worst-performing category, declining in August for the fourth month in a row, both in like-for-like and total sales. The category reported a new record low three-month average decline, with like-for-likes down 3.6% and total sales down 1.6%, in contrast with the 0.1% growth experienced over the last 12 months. Retailers kept prices down on a large range of essential items. IGD chief executive Joanne Denney-Finch said: “Although August food and drink sales were at least up on July, retailers are still contending with three well established trends. Food inflation is extremely low, more people are eating out and shoppers are visiting more food stores to pick the best value from each.” ShopperVista research showed that 47% of shoppers have recently visited two or more grocery stores on the same trip, up from 42% last year. Also, 58% often change their meal plans to fit what’s on promotion.

Fashion: Up

Clothing propelled retail sales growth last month and was the best-performing category, reaching its best growth since April 2011. Retailers’ summer clearances benefited from the warm weather at the start of the month, and the showery conditions that followed meant new autumn ranges were snapped up. BRC found there was strong competition and a slight shift in marketing towards affordable quality rather than just price. It said the back-to-school campaigns proved “particularly successful”.

Footwear: Up

A close second to clothing, footwear also benefited from a “winning combination” of careful preparation from retailers and favourable weather. Women’s was the best performing segment with ankle boots, typically selling at a higher price point than summer shoes, doing particularly well. Back-to-school products sold particularly well online.

Department stores: Up

A combination of good shopping weather (showers with sunny spells), summer promotions and new fashion ranges helped department stores grow sales in August.

Furniture and home: Up

Furniture was the third fastest-growing category in August. The strength of the housing market boosted demand for big-ticket items as well as other home categories including decorations. Among House Textiles products, there was good demand for duvets, as August was cooler this year than it was last year.

Electricals: Up

August “brought confirmation” that tablet sales have passed their peak while desktops are currently growing, BRC found. Accessories continue to enjoy strong growth. Large and small domestic appliances experienced good demand, “perhaps linked to the fact that more people are moving home”.

Gaming, Books, CDs & DVDs: Up

The category was still led by Gaming, which is expected to ease around November with the anniversary of the new console launches. Books recorded their best performance since January.

DIY & Gardening: Up

DIY & Gardening also seemed to benefit from the pick-up in the housing market, offsetting lower sales in garden furniture in August.

Health & Beauty: Up

Health & Beauty ranked second-bottom in the growth table. Health sales were similar to the prior year, apart from the slimming products, which reported a “very good” performance. Beauty did better, helped by impulse buys, new product launches and fragrance.

Toys & Baby Equipment: Up

On a three-month basis, Toys & Baby Equipment ranked fourth in the growth table but only seventh in August, as demand for outdoor toys dipped last month.