UK Retail Sales Drop Sharply in September, Pointing to Recession Risks and Gloomy Outlook for Consumer Spending

UK retail sales fell 0.9% in September from the previous month, worse than expected, indicating consumers are cutting back spending.

The drop suggests the retail sector may already be in recession before the key Christmas shopping period.

Clothing sales declined 1.6% as mild weather limited autumnwear purchases, while big-ticket item sales also fell.

Overall economic growth likely flatlined or contracted with the unexpected retail sales decline.

Consumer confidence dropped to the lowest level since 1994, underscoring acute pressure on budgets from high inflation and costs.