UK Fashion sustains growth as online sales soar

The UK retail sector recorded another positive week, with total like-for-like (LFL) sales rising by +3.41%, building on a +2.81% base from the same period last year. This consistent growth was significantly bolstered by a robust performance within the fashion sector, particularly in its non-store channels, according to the BDO High Street Sales Tracker.

The fashion sector saw its total LFL sales increase by a healthy +5.67%. This marks the category's second consecutive positive outcome and its third in the past five weeks, underscoring a period of sustained recovery and consumer engagement. This growth is especially notable as it offsets a weak base from the previous year.

Non-store fashion sales experienced a significant surge, ballooning by an impressive +9.29%. This strong performance in online apparel sales, also marking its second straight positive outcome, was a key driver for the overall non-store LFL sales growth of +4.40% across all retail segments. This continued strength in e-commerce for fashion suggests that consumers are increasingly comfortable and reliant on digital platforms for their clothing and accessories, even amidst mild autumnal weather.

Conversely, while total in-store sales for all segments were positive, growing by +4.66%, this occurred despite an overall -1.1% drop in footfall across all tracked categories. Foot traffic declined by -2.2% in retail parks, -1.7% in shopping centres, and slightly by -0.3% on high streets. However, store fashion sales still climbed by +6.05%, achieving its second positive result in the last three weeks. This indicates that while fewer people may be physically visiting retail destinations, those who do are converting into sales, potentially on larger purchases for the changing season. The fashion sector's ability to drive sales across both physical and digital channels, even with declining footfall, highlights its adaptability and strong consumer demand.