Warm Weather and Cost Pressures Dent UK Retail Sales in September

Retail sales fell more than expected in September as shoppers held back buying autumn clothing amid unseasonably warm weather.

Consumers struggled with cost of living pressures according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Around the world, September was the warmest on record due to ongoing global warming and the El Niño weather event.

Sales volumes fell 0.9% in September, while economists had predicted a 0.2% fall.

The warm weather contributed to a 1.9% fall in trade at non-food stores, with declines in clothing, department stores, jewellery, watches, furniture and lighting.