2024 Q3 UK retail sales rose 2%, driven by clothing purchases and back-to-school shopping, despite overall growth falling behind previous years.

In September 2024, UK retail sales rose 2% year-on-year, marking the strongest growth in six months, driven by clothing purchases and back-to-school shopping. Food sales increased by 3.1%, but overall growth fell short of previous years. Major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury's gained market share amid inflation, while online shopping continued to grow. Despite some sales increases, financial concerns led consumers to seek discounts, particularly for essentials.