Retail sales crept up in September as back-to-school shopping and a seasonal change drove spending and volume growth.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, total sales volumes rose 0.5% in September, the fourth consecutive monthly rise, bringing volume growth to its highest level since July 2022.
Volumes are estimated to have grown by 0.9% between July and September this year, when compared with the prior quarter. The ONS reported that good weather in August drove favourable clothing sales in quarter three, while online retailers showed a monthly rise over both quarters – the eighth consecutive monthly rise for the segment.
The 0.5% hike over September followed a revised increase of 0.6% in August; however, volumes are still down 1.6% on pre-pandemic levels.
The amount spent online in quarter three rose 3.5% compared to quarter two, and 5% compared to the same quarter last year.
Sales in online retailers reached their highest level since February 2022, with the ONS noting that online jewellers had reported strong demand for gold, the price of which rallied significantly during the season.
Sales values rose by 1.4% over the month to September 2025, by 5.6% when comparing September 2025 to last year, while total spend rose by 0.7% over the month.
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