UK fashion sector sees growth for first time since January

The UK’s high street enjoyed its best November in the last six years, despite Black Friday failing to fulfil retailers expectations, according to the latest data released by BDO. Retailers across the country enjoyed the strongest monthly sales growth over the past 14 months, driven by a growth in fashion.

UK high street sales increased 1.7 percent year on year in November, while fashion sales grew 1.5 percent like for like in the same period, marking the first time the sector return to growth since January. However, the lifestyle sector struggled in November, despite a strong start to the month, declining 0.4 percent.

Black Friday helped online sales increase 20.2 percent during November, but overall in-store like for like sales were down 2.95 percent in the last week of the month. “Consumer spending may appear to be robust for now as many people are having a final shopping spree while the economy is exceeding growth expectations,” commented Sophie Michael, Head of Retail and Wholesale at BDO.

“But we’re facing a year of unprecedented political, social and economic uncertainty – both at home and overseas," added Michael. "The challenges facing retailers continue to mount, which will inevitably impact on retailers’ costs and consumers’ disposable income and the question is ‘when’ not ‘if’ the spending squeeze will come. The focus for retailers must be on product quality, product range and service personalisation to win their share of the tightening consumer purse in the year ahead."

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