Retail sales volumes have risen for the fourth month in a row, driven by consumers buying gold online and new tech gadgets. <\/p>\n
Monthly sales rose by 0.5% in September 2025, new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show, defying an expected decrease of -0.2%. <\/p>\n
“Although food stores saw very little growth, good weather in July and August boosted sales of clothing, while online retailing also did well,” said ONS senior statistician Hannah Finselbach. <\/p>\n
Tech sales were boosted over the summer by the launch of Nintendo’s long-awaited Switch 2 gaming console and Apple’s iPhone 17.<\/p>\n
Within non-store retailing, online jewellers reported strong demand for gold.<\/p>\n
Between July and September, retail sales were 0.9% higher than the previous three months.<\/p>\n
The amount spent online between July and September was 3.5% higher than the previous quarter and 5% higher than the same period last year.<\/p>\n
Retail sales volume are a measure of the quantity of goods sold during a certain period. <\/p>\n
The figures are a positive sign amid ongoing concerns that the British economy is slowing down.<\/p>\n
Danni Hewson, AJ Bell head of financial analysis, said consumers were starting to feel a bit more confident about spending.<\/p>\n
“Interest rate cuts and above inflation pay increases have meant many workers have had a bit more cash to play with, even if pressures on household budgets have remained high.”<\/p>\n
Alex Kerr, UK economist at Capital Economics, said the month on month rise in retail sales volumes was better than expected.<\/p>\n
“But against a backdrop of weak employment, high inflation and with tax rises on the horizon, we doubt the retail sector will be able to sustain this strength,” he said.<\/p>\n