September saw ‘best retail sales for almost two years’

Retailing in September saw “the best total sales growth figures since January 2008”, and a positive trend for non-food.

Retail sales values rose 2.8% on a like-for-like basis over September 2008, although sales then were down 1.5%. Overall, sales rose 4.9% against a 1.0% gain in September 2008.

Food sales growth slowed but homewares and furniture sales both rose above last September’s levels. And non-food sales via the internet, mail order and phone sales in September were 11.9% higher than a year ago.

Commenting on the figures, Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium, said: “For some customers confidence is trickling back. These are the best total sales growth figures since January 2008. But we mustn’t get carried away. They are compared with a weak performance last September.”

He added: “It’s good to see nearly all the non-food categories turned positive.”