October sales flat: Golden Quarter begins on shaky ground

The UK retail sector has experienced a subdued start to the 'Golden Quarter', with total like-for-like (LFL) sales across discretionary categories – including fashion, homewares, and lifestyle – broadly flat at -0.02% in October. This marks an end to four consecutive months of positive sales growth, as persistent inflation and weak consumer confidence weigh on spending, according to the BDO High Street Sales Tracker.