October saw a decline in fashion sales in the UK as warm weather delayed winter shopping decisions.
- Overall UK retail sales grew by a modest 0.6% year on year, down from 2.6% growth the previous October.
- The mild weather affected non-food sales, with a decline observed both in-store and online.
- Despite the downturn in fashion, health and beauty sales remained strong through the month.
- Retailers anticipate a rebound in November, partly due to the delayed half-term and upcoming Black Friday sales.
In October, the UK fashion industry faced challenges as unseasonably mild weather led consumers to postpone winter clothing purchases. This shift contributed to a noticeable dip in fashion sales, as reported by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The overall retail sales growth was 0.6% year on year, a drop from 2.6% recorded in the same month last year. This figure is also below both the three-month average growth of 1.3% and the annual average of 1.0%.
Non-food sales, which include fashion, saw a year-on-year decrease of 0.1% over the three months leading to October, contrasting with a larger drop of 1.0% seen in October 2023. October’s mild weather played a significant role in this trend, as consumers delayed purchasing winter attire, waiting for a season-appropriate climate. In-store non-food sales declined by 1.2% in the three months up to October, while online non-food sales offered a glimmer of hope, increasing by 0.4% year on year.
Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, emphasized that the late occurrence of the half-term holiday contributed to the disappointing sales figures. She noted that the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Budget, coupled with rising energy costs, further dampened consumer confidence. Dickinson mentioned, “Fashion sales took the biggest hit as the mild weather delayed winter purchases,” highlighting the sector’s vulnerability to changing weather patterns and economic uncertainty.
Despite the downturn in fashion, the health and beauty sector showed resilience, with products like beauty advent calendars experiencing strong demand. Linda Ellett, from KPMG, remarked that October’s growth did not sustain the momentum seen in September. She pointed to factors such as the delay in half-term, speculation over the Budget, and the anticipation of Black Friday promotions as influences on consumer behavior during the month.
Retailers remain hopeful for improved sales in November as conditions shift.
