trending Market Intelligence /marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/u9EtvGV5oC4g4GZH1PUH-g2 content esgSubNav
In This List

UK retail sector slump slows in September, but challenges remain

Blog

Using ESG Analysis to Support a Sustainable Future

Video

S&P Capital IQ Pro | Powered by Expert Insights

Blog

Q&A: Streamlining Analytics for TCFD Reporting

Blog

Evergrande and the wider impact: a sentiment analytics based perspective


UK retail sector slump slows in September, but challenges remain

U.K. retail sales volume continued to decline for the fifth consecutive month in September, though retailers expect sales to fall at a slower pace in October, the Confederation of British Industry said.

Of the retailers surveyed, a net balance of negative 16% indicated a drop in retail sales volume, compared with a year ago, albeit at a slower pace than the negative 49% balance in the prior month. Retailers are expecting the contraction to slow further in the year to October, with a net balance of negative 5%.

Orders fell less sharply, at a net balance of negative 9%, than the rate of decline in the previous month, which had a negative balance of 57%. Orders are expected to be broadly flat in October.

Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist at the Confederation of British Industry, said the pound's depreciation, Brexit uncertainty and digital disruption weigh on the sector outlook.

In annual terms, internet sales growth slowed slightly, as the corresponding balance was 33%, down from 37% in the prior month.