U.K. retail sales were up 1% compared to the same period a year ago on a like-for-like basis in August, the British Retail Consortium said on Tuesday. Total sales increased 2.8%.
The rise was driven by back to school shopping and new autumn and winter clothing ranges. Food sales slowed down a little.
Homewares also edged up, but sales were often deal-driven, with big-ticket items affected by consumer uncertainty over job cuts and income prospects.
Non-food store sales rose strongly in August, but this was against an exceptionally low base in 2009.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.