Consumers are buying less as prices continue to rise, official figures show.
Retail sales volumes fell by 1.4% in September, following a 1.7% drop in August, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
It means that retail is now 1.3% below pre-pandemic levels in February 2020.
Sales decreased in all the main sectors, including food stores, non-food stores, non-store retailing and fuel. The only sub-sector to buck the trend was clothing and footwear stores.
In the three months to September, sales volumes fell by 2.0% when compared with the previous three months. This continues the downward trend seen since summer 2021.
Household budgets have come under increasing pressure from rising energy prices and mortgage costs, as well as higher prices for everyday goods. Inflation rose to 10.1% last month and is expected to climb further.
Last month’s figures were also affected by the bank holiday for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, when many retailers closed.
“Retail sales continued to fall in September after a weak August, and consumers are now buying less than before the pandemic,” said ONS director of economic statistics Darren Morgan.
“Drops were seen across all main areas of retailing, with falling sales in food stores making the largest contribution.
“Retailers told us that the fall in September was partly because many stores were closed for the Queen’s funeral, but also because of continued price pressures leading consumers to be careful about spending.”
