Clothing volume sales return to growth

Clothing volume sales in the UK have shown growth for the

first time in three years.

According to data from research firm Kantar Worldpanel sales of clothing, footwear and accessories by volume increased by 0.7 percent for the 24 weeks to October 28, 2012.

While the increase is only small, the significance shows shoppers are making more frequent purchases.

According to Charlotte Wilks, consumer research analyst at Kantar Wolrdpanel, the average size of basket per trip still remains in decline, which is a challenge for retailers.

Womenswear is the only category still experiencing volume decline of -0.4%.

Drapers reported this growth in volume sales across all categories, excluding womenswear, was driven solely by the 45+ age group. “The 45+ were the only and biggest age group to drive volume growth with younger age groups continuing to decline in volume terms,” added Wilks.

Kantar Worldpanel is the world leader in consumer knowledge and insights based on continuous consumer panels.